Acclaim Award

PRINCIPAL FINALISTS
Dr. David Basile, Principal
South Plantation High School
As an outsider to Broward Schools, Dr. David Basile arrived without any preconceived notions about South Plantation High School. As the school's new principal, he took time to observe classrooms, interact with students and listen to staff. At the end of his first year, Basile laid the groundwork to improve his school.

One of the programs Basile initiated was a ninth grade academy called VALOR Academy (Visionary, Academics, Leadership, Opportunity & Respect). Academy activities include a visiting author program, a worldwide video conferencing initiative, a global demining awareness program and demonstrations in cooperation with the Department of Defense. Additional initiatives, along with the school's nationally recognized magnet program have been developed to create smaller learning environments, foster a connection to school and increase positive student-teacher relationships. All of Basile's efforts have increased graduation rates, decreased external suspensions and increased Level 3 FCAT scores in reading, math and science.

Basile's ability to empower others to take ownership and become accountable for their school and professional growth, has been a key element to South Plantation's success.

Elaine Saef, Principal
Panther Run Elementary School (Pembroke Pines)
Elaine Saef is an instructional leader who promotes a positive learning environment by providing an effective instructional program that applies best practices to student learning. As principal, it is Saef's belief that every child at Panther Run Elementary can and will learn.

The unique school strength at Panther Run is the culture. The PIF-WIAMAD: "Pay It Forward-Who I Am Makes A Difference program is an example. Saef designed and created the program when she was appointed principal three years ago. Staff and student attendance rates have improved and discipline and referrals have decreased since the inception of PIF-WIAMAD. The culture and caring environment she fosters at the school has made teacher turnover almost nonexistent. "Pay It Forward" refers to repaying the good deeds one has received by doing good things for other unrelated people. "Who I Am Makes A Difference" is a philosophy that all people are important and can make a difference in the lives of others through actions, words, feelings and being yourself. Through the program, Saef teaches her staff and students that they can and will make a positive difference and make a positive impact on Panther Run and the world.

Saef interacts professionally and tactfully with others, making everyone feel welcome and as though they are "coming home" when they enter Panther Run.

Dr. Marie Wright, Principal
Fort Lauderdale High School
Fort Lauderdale High School has flourished academically under the direction of Principal Dr. Marie Wright. She has expanded partnerships, built positive relationships with the city of Fort Lauderdale and has rallied the surrounding community to a highly supportive role in school improvement.

In addition to stellar academic success, Wright has introduced and expanded numerous programs to enrich the academic experience of her students. Membership in the Cambridge Program has increased significantly over the past three years. She also pursued and developed a partnership with the Broward Sheriffs Office to implement a nationally recognized 911 Dispatch Certification Program. Under Wright's leadership, Fort Lauderdale High has gone from a ranking of 584 in 2008 to a ranking of 130 in 2010 in Newsweek Magazine's list of America's Best High Schools.

Wright goes the extra mile while handling every situation in a caring manner. She is a team player as demonstrated by her positive relationships with all people. She is a visionary who epitomizes the best in academic leadership and is revered and respected by her peers, community stakeholders and district administrators.


ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FINALISTS
Janet Calamaro, Assistant Principal
Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School (Davie)
Janet Calamaro demonstrates remarkable skills as an assistant principal at Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School. Her sensitivity to the issues young people face is a reflection of her special ability to connect well with others. Calamaro is on top of every situation and is able to manage the school's diverse student population.

This year, Calamaro helped her school receive a "Florida Learn and Serve Grant." Her school was the only one in Broward to receive the grant. The $7,774 service-learning grant is designed for classroom teachers to incorporate service learning programs in classrooms, touching every student. She makes every effort to meet the needs of all students by incorporating modern technology into the curriculum. Programs such as First in Math and Accelerated Reader have assisted in meeting the students' individual needs. Calamaro plays an active role in the school's before and aftercare program, working with students on homework assignments.

Calamaro is a natural communicator and approaches each situation with enthusiasm, purpose, dedication and focused thinking. Her engaging personality, hands on approach and genuine concern for students contribute to the exceptional job she does as assistant principal.

Thomas Darby, Assistant Principal
Colbert Elementary School (Hollywood)
Thomas Darby's contributions over the past two years have helped develop a positive culture at Colbert Elementary School. His interpersonal and communication skills have allowed him to develop strong working relationships with all stakeholders.

Colbert is a Math/Science/Technology Magnet school, and Darby created an engaging technology-based math curriculum that holds students' interest. "Monster Math," is a program that allows students to "call-in" to a central location to ask and answer math questions. Using the school's video equipment, Darby appears in front of the camera, for each grade level, at a designated time. "Monster Math" creates excitement throughout the school each Friday, and encourages students to learn math while having fun. Since becoming Colbert's assistant principal, Darby has encouraged the use of computers and smart boards. His efforts have had a positive impact on Colbert, its students and teachers.

Darby is a highly dedicated professional who knows how to motivate students and inspire staff to strive for excellence. He is amazingly patient and unwavering in his conviction that any student can achieve.

Melissa Holtz, Assistant Principal
Bennett Elementary School (Fort Lauderdale)
From the first day Melissa Holtz set foot on the campus of Bennett Elementary School she began making an impact on the students and staff of the school. In addition to her excellent interpersonal skills, she has an incredible knowledge of curriculum.

Over the past three years, Holtz has met with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in the school for individual academic conferences. During the conferences, she gets to know students on a personal level and works with each to set the goals they would like to achieve during the school year. Holtz created a school-wide reading and math intervention program for Level one and two students that provides an additional daily, 30-minute small group intervention. She created small group writing workshops and instructed students in writing, while meeting their individual needs. Holtz also helped develop workshops to assist teachers with science lessons. To help with history, she developed a program called "Picturing America." The program incorporates history lessons in all academic departments and motivates students to learn by sharing historical facts. Through Holtz's efforts, students, especially struggling students, showed improvement in all FCAT areas.

Holtz makes time for all students and will make house calls if necessary. She is an exciting, fresh and inspired assistant principal that has made an incredibly positive impact on Bennett Elementary.