Videoconference; Contest Wrap
Up Successful Literacy Project
Sonia Manzano, author and star of Sesame Street, recently spoke to first-grade classes in all of Broward's elementary schools via an interactive videoconference from BECON (Broward Education Communications Network.) The videoconference was part of an exciting literacy project, "One Picture Book, One Community," that encouraged young children and their families to read the same picture book and stressed the importance of early childhood education and literacy. Ms. Manzano's book, No Dogs Allowed, was the one selected for use in the project. Ms. Meredith Legg's first-grade class from Cooper City Elementary earned the privilege of being in the studio during the videoconference by writing and producing a book that took first place in the contest portion of the project.
The District's Curriculum Department received over 250 books created by Broward students from all over the county. Reading/Language Arts Specialists served as judges for the contest. Other winners included: Nancy Levine's class, Lakeside Elementary second place and Veronica Soto's class, Sea Castle Elementary, third place.
Collins Elementary first-graders had the honor of representing Broward schools at the project's kick-off event held at WLRN in Miami. The kick-off program was viewed on closed circuit television by first-grade classrooms in both Miami-Dade and Broward. For more information about "One Picture Book, One Community" contact Susan Smith, Language Arts K-5 Specialist, 754-321-1856.
Veteran Teacher Is New Director
Eighteen-year Broward teacher Linda Whitehead was recently named the District's new Director of Instructional Development/Zone Support. She started her career as a teacher at Edgewood Elementary, and then moved to
Orange Brook Elementary where her principal encouraged her to apply for a
Zone Coach position. In 1998, she became McArthur's Zone Coach and then a Teacher/Helping Resource in Human Resource Development focusing on supporting the needs of new teachers. In her new position, she will focus on supporting site-based staff development and Florida state protocol standards at the District, school and faculty levels.
Cooper City Elementary Students Making a Difference
Students at Cooper City Elementary School have been busy making a difference in their community through a variety of charitable and civic programs. Operating under the belief that students need opportunities to participate in activities that make a difference in their community, each class chose a worthy service project that embeds state standards, curricular goals and provides empowering learning experiences that can last a lifetime. So far, students have raised money for "Jerry's Kids"; purchased phone cards for service men and women overseas; conducted a "Pennies and Bears" to donated pennies and teddies to the public library; and distributed "get out and vote" leaflets. More service projects are in the planning stages for the rest of the year. |
Employee Honored at Reception in Orlando
Amalio Nieves , Curriculum Specialist, Health Education Services was among 60 Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Field Leaders honored at a reception in Orlando. Amalio has been with the district for nine years and was recently promoted to his current position. The reception, co-hosted by Florida First Lady Columba Bush and James P. McDonough, Director of Florida's Office of Drug Control, was held during the 2004 Florida Statewide Prevention Conference. Mr. Nieves was honored for his outstanding contributions to the progress Florida has made in reducing drug use. His name has also been entered into the 2004 Who's Who of Prevention Leadership in Florida.
Tradewinds Class Participating in
"Adopt-A-Street" Program
Fifth-grade students at Tradewinds Elementary School recently kicked-off a recycling and "adopt-a-street" program as part of the 2005 Jiminy Cricket's Environmentality Challenge. Administered by the Walt Disney Company, the challenge is a statewide competition designed to teach elementary school students environmental awareness and care practices. Winners receive an all-expenses paid trip to Disney World. Under the direction of teacher Jill Putney, the class has dubbed themselves "The Butterfly Brigade." The class has adopted Park School Road, and is collecting debris, recycling it and beautifying the road.
Phone Number Conversion
Nearing Completion
As of November 1, 2004, approximately 200 District sites have been converted to the new 754 area code -- 30 sites remain. Three or four sites are converted each week. Due to the active hurricane season, the project's scheduled completion date has to be moved to January 21, 2005. Sunset School will be the final site.
Look for interesting facts about the project in the next 411! For current information about the project, visit www.browardschools.com and click on the link called "District Changing Its Phone Numbers."
Tequesta Trace Peer Counselors
Are Hurricane Helpers
Tequesta Trace Middle School's peer counselors and their parents traveled to Barefoot Bay Mobile Home Park in Micco, Florida, recently to help with hurricane clean-up efforts. Most of the mobile home park's residents are elderly and could not do the work themselves. A bus filled with students and parents wearing matching t-shirts and work gloves worked through the debris. The peer counselors also collected canned foods and other necessities and delivered the supplies to the residents. Publix donated a gift card so the peer counselors could purchase food and serve lunch to the residents. |
