Town Hall Meetings Planned to Address the State of District
School Board members, along with Superintendent James F. Notter and District administrators, will host a series of four town hall meetings to address the state of public education in Broward County. Board Chair Robin Bartleman and Superintendent Notter will outline the financial constraints facing the District, including current budget cuts and potential future cuts. Also on the agenda for discussion is the District’s new Anti-Bullying Policy. A review of the District’s many successes, accomplishments and awards from the 2007/08 school year and the School Board’s new Strategic Plan. The meetings, all beginning at 6:30 p.m. are scheduled as follows:

South Central Area, Plantation High School, Thursday, September 11
South Area, Hollywood Hills High School, Monday, September 15
North Area, Monarch High School, Thursday, October 2
North Central Area, Piper High School, Wednesday, October 15

District Lunches Receive “A” Grade From National Group
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has announced that Broward County Public Schools earned an “A” grade (receiving 91 out of a possible 100 points) for the quality of its school lunches. Because the school lunches served to millions of children every day have a critical impact on their health and eating habits, PCRM evaluates meals served in the National School Lunch Program each year. This year, PCRM dietitians analyzed elementary school lunches served by 20 school districts and evaluated the districts' efforts to promote healthful eating habits to students. This year's criteria and grading system examined two essential categories for children's nutrition in schools: obesity and chronic disease prevention and nutrition and healthy eating initiatives.

High Court Removes 5-7-9 Amendments from November Ballot
The Florida Supreme Court struck proposed constitutional amendments 5-7-9 from the November ballot. The ruling declared that the language used to describe these proposed measures was misleading to the public. The proposed amendments would have eliminated the major funding source for public education in the state – the local effort property tax – and eliminated the constitutional ban against using taxpayers' money to fund religious institutions and reintroduced vouchers.

Saturday Workshops Offered For Parents Of Students With Disabilities
A series of Weekend with the Experts workshops for parents of students with disabilities are being held on Saturdays, beginning September 13. Presented by the Exceptional Student Education, Parent Services Department and Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System, the workshops are designed for parents of students with disabilities, but are open to all interested parents. The workshops will feature experts in their fields. A $10 non-refundable registration fee is required for each workshop.

Financial assistance is available. One topic will be addressed at each workshop and all workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) campus in Davie. The first workshop – Understanding the Laws of Florida Concerning Students with Disabilities – will take place on Saturday, September 13, with Attorney Rosemary N. Palmer at the NSU Health Professional Division Assembly Building, Room 2101. To register for the Weekend With the Experts workshops, or for more information, contact Kimberly DiLuzio at 754-321-2211 or E-mail (kimberly.diluzio@browardschools.com). Additional information on future workshops may be found on the ESE Web site at (www.browardschools.com/ese). Click on “Student & Parent Info” and select “Parent Workshops.”

Broward Cultural Division Holds Teaching Artists’ Showcase
Broward Cultural Division will offer an arts vendor’s showcase for Children’s Services Council (CSC) providers, principals, parks and recreation programmers and summer camp directors on Thursday, September 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. at ArtServe, 1350 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Artists from Broward County Cultural Division’s online Arts in Education Directory will have informational booths demonstrating programming and content areas in an expo-like setting at ArtServe. All Children’s Services Council providers are invited to attend, as well as private and public school administrators who select talent for in-house field trips. Many of these providers opt for bringing a teaching artist to their children, rather than moving students from their facilities, providing transportation, etc. In-house field trips and performances save the provider expense, and provides for more cost effective cultural activities for students they serve. Providers will have an opportunity to meet and experience teaching artists from Broward County. Members of the Children’s Services Council staff will be available as well. RSVP at (www.broward.org/arts) and click on ”Workshops.” For additional information, contact Patricia Zeiler, 954-357-7321 or E-mail: (pzeiler@broward.org).

One Picturebook, One Community Event
This year’s One Picturebook, One Community launch event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, September 26 at South Broward High School. Students from Plantation Middle School will act out the story of Max’s Words by Kate Banks with illustrations by Boris Kulikov, the selected elementary school level book for this year. The event will be televised to all elementary schools in Broward and Miami-Dade counties via BECON and WLRN-TV. Various curriculum-based reading, writing and drawing activities are also associated with this event. This marks the fourth consecutive year of Broward’s partnership with the Miami-Dade Public Schools in staging this reading and literacy activity for elementary school students in both school districts. Plantation Middle School students will also perform the story of the book at the Miami Book Fair later this year.

ESE Hosts Reading Workshops for Parents
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department and Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) are hosting a reading workshop on Thursday, September 11 titled “Great Leaps Reading Success: Research Based Program to Help Your Child at Home.” The workshop will take place in Training Room A at the South Area Office from 9 a.m. to noon. Eleanor Goldberg, Reading Curriculum Development Specialist, is the facilitator. Parents of students in grades third through 12th will learn how to help their children become better readers at home using current research-based practices through the Great Leaps Reading Program (www.greatleaps.com). Parents will be able to borrow a Great Leaps reading kit of age appropriate materials to instruct their child in reading at home. Parents attending this program will be required to participate in monthly follow-up meetings that will be scheduled at the first session. For additional information and registration, contact the ESE Department at 754-321-2211 or E-mail (kimberly.diluzio@browardschools.com).

Flanagan High Color and Honor Guard Welcome Home One of Their Own
Members of the Flanagan High School Honor Guard and Color Guard recently welcomed home one of their own, former student Alexandra Abad who was returning from her tour of duty in the Persian Gulf. Abad graduated from Flanagan High School and the Navy JROTC program in 2005. She joined the Navy following graduation and was later deployed to the Persian Gulf. The Flanagan High School Honor Guard welcomed Abad on her arrival at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with a six-sword arch presentation, accompanied by a presentation of colors and the Navy flag by the school’s four-member Color Guard.

Students Cast Votes in August Elections Through Kids Voting Broward
Students continue to learn about the importance of voting through opportunities presented by Kids Voting Broward. In alignment with early and Election Day primary voting, more than 5,500 students took part in the voting for county candidates through the District’s electronic voting program. Kids Voting Broward, in partnership with Broward Public Schools, has involved students in online voting since the 2004 elections.
“The main objective of the August election, for Kids Voting Broward, is to prepare students to cast their ballots for a very important national election coming up in November,” said Shellie Gory, K-5 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist. Kids Voting Broward representatives are optimistic they will break the single-election record of 61,000 electronic votes submitted by students, set in January of 2008

Becca’s Closet Opens for Homecoming Season
Homecoming season is just around the corner and Becca’s Closet is ready to help students who cannot afford to purchase a homecoming dress. Becca’s Closet has hundreds of new and gently worn formal gowns and dresses available. All dresses are free. This service is intended for girls who would otherwise not be able to attend the events. In the spring of her freshman year at Nova High School, Rebecca Kirtman launched a dress bank providing dresses and formal accessories to high school girls wanting to attend their prom or homecoming, but who did not have the resources to purchase them. Rebecca was killed in a tragic traffic accident in 2003. Her parents continue to run Becca's Closet on behalf of their daughter, collecting and distributing formal gowns and dresses and accessories for high school girls who otherwise might not be able to attend their homecoming and proms events without this assistance. Becca’s Closet is open by appointment only. Students are advised to make an appointment online at (www.beccascloset.org) or call 954-424-9999.

Students to Register Other Students to Vote
For many years there has been a partnership where the Supervisor of Elections Office has worked side by side with the Broward County Schools to register thousands of high school students to vote. The Supervisor of Elections office provides training to teachers and students on how to run the registration drive. Then, the students register other students to vote. Usually, the high school voter registration drive is done every year in the spring. This year, due to important fall elections, there will be a second high school voter registration drive the week of September 15 – 19. Students will host drives to encourage students to register and vote during lunch periods at high schools throughout the District. For voter registration drive information, contact Tonya Edwards, Voter Education Coordinator, Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office at 954-712-1981 or (tonya.edwards@browardsoe.org).

Eagle Scout Spearheads Beautification Project at Hollywood Central Elementary
Hollywood Central Elementary School’s plaza is a bit more beautiful today, thanks to the efforts of Nova High School student Adrian Mahadeo, who devoted much of this time off this summer to creating a beautiful ceramic garden for the students and staff. As his Eagle Scout project with Troop 274 in West Hollywood, Adrian planned and coordinated beautification of the school’s Unity Garden. Although Adrian spearheaded the project, he admits it was no one-man show. The project drew help from numerous resources all joining forces to create the massive makeover. Adrian and the volunteers he recruited placed marble pavers and landscaping in school’s Unity Garden. Donations and material for the project were provided by partner Vankirk and Sons Pool Company. “We are so grateful to Adrian for his hard work and dedication,” said, Jamie Maradiaga, Intern Principal at Hollywood Central. “The plaza is simply breathtaking.”

Bethune Elementary School of the Arts Receives Arts Innovation Award
The Bethune Elementary School of the Arts We Are One program recently received the Arts Innovation Award 2008 from the International Network of Schools for the Advancement of Arts Education. The Arts Innovation Award recognizes schools committed to taking innovative artistic risks. The award is presented to a school that has “broken the mold” in using the arts as a vehicle for teaching academics and/or making a positive difference in the lives of students and/or the community. The We Are One program was developed three years ago to build a sense of unity and family at the school so students could identify with specific world cultures, beginning with the cultures dominant at the school – African American (Africa, Inside and Out) and Hispanic (Viva La Cultura). Every arts and academic program is developed and designed around learning about the cultures. At the conclusion of the school year, students perform a program at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts that profiles the cultures learned throughout the school year. Last year, the school focused on Eastern cultures (West Meets East) and the history of American cultures (Native America & Patriotic America). This year, the school will focus on European cultures (Europe, Inside and Out). For information about the program, contact Joy Carter, Arts Teacher/Magnet Coordinator at 754-323-4917.

Dillard High School to Dedicate the Otis Gray Stadium
The Dillard High School family and community will dedicate the renamed Otis Gray, Jr. Memorial Stadium on September 11 at halftime of the first home football game of the season – Dillard vs South Broward. Coach Gray was considered to be one of the greatest high school football coaches in Broward County and South Florida history. In his 13 years as Dillard head coach, he transformed the Panthers football program from a struggling inner city squad into a state and national powerhouse. His accomplishments included a 107-55 record, two Class 4A state championships (1986 and 1989) and a Class 4A runner-up finish in 1990. USA Today ranked his 1990 team among the top 25 teams in the nation. Coach Gray passed away in August 2007. Members of his family will join the community in remembering his legacy.

Dads Turn Out for First Day of School
Despite the two-day delay in the opening of classes for the 2008/09 school year, approximately 28,391 fathers and other men accompanied students to schools throughout the county on the first day of school as part of the Million Father March campaign. Representatives from a number of local community organizations joined principals and other school-based staff in handing out special stickers to those men and women who participated in this event. Last year, approximately 25,000 fathers and other men participated in the first year of the campaign. Follow-up activities will continue throughout the school year with Million Father March dinners in selected zones throughout the District.

Superintendent Schedules Meetings with District Employees
Superintendent of Schools James F. Notter has scheduled employee meetings in each of the District’s four areas to discuss the District’s current financial situation and future financial challenges; review last year’s student performance and District accolades; and the new anti-bullying policy. The meetings will include open discussion and a question and answer session. The following meetings are open to all employees:

South Area, Hollywood Hills High School, Monday, September 15, 3:30 p.m.
North Area, Coconut Creek High School, Wednesday, October 1, 3:30 p.m.
South Central Area, Dillard High School, Monday, October 6, 3:30 p.m.
North Central Area, Piper High School, Wednesday, October 15, 3:30 p.m.

Broward County Celebrates Arts Teacher of the Year
The 23rd Annual Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony, honoring 2008 Arts Teacher of the Year Nicole M. Greggs, will take place on Wednesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. at the Amaturo Theater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts. A reception honoring Greggs, a music teacher at Plantation Park Elementary School, will follow the ceremony. RVSP by September 19 online at: (www/broward.org/arts) and click on “Workshops.” For more information, call Patricia Zeiler at 954-357-7321 or (pzeiler@broward.org). For 2009 Arts Teacher of the Year nomination information and application form, visit the Cultural Arts Division Web site at: (www.broward.org/arts/aie/atoy_info.htm). Application deadline is December 12, 2008.

Book Depository Open to the Public
The Broward County Public Schools Book Depository is open to the public Monday through Friday; from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Used and surplus textbooks of all grade levels are available to Broward County residents at $1 each and are free to teachers with a District I.D. badge. The Book Depository is located at 3901 NW 10th Avenue, Oakland Park. For information, call 754-321-4350.

Looking for Someone to Speak at Your Next Meeting?
Do you need an informative speaker for your next meeting? The Broward County Public Schools Speakers Bureau is reaching out to keep the community informed about issues facing the District and public education in Broward County. The Speakers Bureau is comprised of District officials, administrators and other professionals who are willing to share their time and knowledge with community organizations. To tap into Broward County Public Schools network of experts, contact Communications & Media Relations at 754-321-2300.

The 411 Newsletter and News & Views Available Online
For environmental and budgetary reasons, The 411 will no longer be printed. The quarterly newsletter will now be published only online at (www.browardschools.com). Just click on “Employees” and click on “The 411” banner to read current and back issues. Employees will receive CAB E-mail alerts each time a new issue is posted online. You can now also read News & Views, which is published every other week, online. You’ll find the News & Views banner next to The 411 banner. Both newsletters can also be found in CAB’s District Announcements. If you have any questions or suggestions concerning these publications, contact Communications & Media Relations, 754-321-2300 or (news@browardschools.com).

Submissions for News & Views
Send articles and suggestions for News & Views to (news@browardschools.com) or contact the Communications & Media Relations Department, 754-321-2300.