Broward Ranks #1 in New National Board Certified Teachers in 2008
For the fourth year in a row, Broward County Public Schools ranks first nationwide in the number of new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), with 358 teachers receiving National Board Certification in 2008. Broward County remains the largest school district in the nation in the cumulative total of NBCTs (1,633). National Board Certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize and reward already great teachers. The state’s top five school districts in terms of the cumulative total of NBCTs are: Broward County (1,633), Miami-Dade County (1,350), Hillsborough County (787), Orange County (721) and Palm Beach County (707). Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based process that typically takes one to three years to complete. The Human Resource Development Department (HRD) assists the process by providing quality staff development opportunities and effective mentoring experiences. For additional information, contact Linda Whitehead, Teacher Development/HRD, 754-321-3535.

District Honored at Annual YMCA Awards
Broward County Public Schools was awarded the 2008 Partner of the Year Award from The Children’s Advocacy YMCA Family Center. The award was recently presented at the YMCA of Broward County’s Annual Meeting held at the Hard Rock Hotel. The YMCA’s partnership with the District has produced a large number of quality after- school programs over the past 10 years, including on holidays and weekends, serving over 5,000 children in 50 locations throughout the county. Other programs associated with this partnership have provided financial assistance to young people.

BECON-TV Receives AVA (Audio/Visual Awards)
BECON-TV (Broward Education Communications Network) has been awarded seven AVA Awards (Audio/Visual Awards) for 2008. The AVA Awards honor excellence and recognize the creativity, hard work and generosity of audio/visual professionals. The international AVA Awards recognize outstanding work by creative professionals involved in the concept, writing, direction, shooting, and editing of audio/visual materials and programs. AVA Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. BECON-TV program winners are:

Broward School Beat – Platinum
It's The Write Time - Platinum
On The Record – Platinum
Broward Teen News - Gold
CareerWatch – Gold
Crossing Cultures/Changing Lives - Honorable Mention
Sports Blitz - Honorable Mention

Watch the New Privacy Video on BECON-TV or Streamed on Demand
All District employees are required to view the new 10-minute video on the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), featuring an introduction by Superintendent James F. Notter. As part of the District’s ongoing privacy compliance efforts, BECON is broadcasting the video three times each workday, now through January 14 on Channel 25. (To view the days and times, go to (www.BECON.tv) and click “Teachers.” Scroll down to “Special Programming” and click “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.”) Closed captioning is available. The video is also available on the District’s streaming video server. First, type (http://ets-tcs-admin) in your browser. Then, in the search box, type “privacy,” and the video will come up.

This helpful training tool explains the requirements for safeguarding the Protected Health Information (PHI) and other confidential information of employees and students. The appropriate uses, disclosures, storage and destruction of this information are also covered. After watching, all employees must sign an Employee Confidentiality Agreement (forms recently sent to all principals and department heads for distribution or see attachment) and forward the original to Todd Sussman, Privacy Officer, Risk Management Department, no later than February 1, 2009. These signed agreements will be tracked and maintained in Risk Management. For additional information on privacy rights, contact Todd Sussman, 754-321-3220. For information on the streaming video, contact Kevin Williams at ETS, 754-321-0375.

Nova Eisenhower Student Wins Tea With J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter Series Author
Nova Eisenhower Elementary School third grade student Olivia Cohen won a national essay contest for students sponsored by Scholastic in conjunction with the recent release of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter companion book, The Tales of Beedle the Bard. The grand prize was an all-expense paid trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, to have tea with Rowling, author of the Potter series. Olivia and her mother recently joined four other national winners (and about 250 other lucky kids from Scotland) for a tea party and reading by Rowling from Tales at the National Library of Scotland. According to Scholastic, fans were asked to write an essay describing how they have helped others. Olivia, the youngest in the group of five winners, wrote about her charitable efforts and fundraising activities to assist the Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital. “Because so many kids today are taking interest in helping others in their schools, communities and around the world, the Scholastic contest gives them the opportunity to write about causes they care about and what they've done to make a difference,” said Scholastic officials.

Students Attend Holocaust Student Awareness Days
High school students from Broward County Public Schools, Charter and private schools recently attended Holocaust Student Awareness Days at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie. The event, presented annually by the Holocaust Documentation Center and the Holocaust Survivors of South Florida, strives to raise the consciousness of students by exposing them to the dangers of prejudice, bigotry and indifference; to create a greater understanding and respect for one another regardless of race, religion or creed. Students were able to learn from experiences firsthand and interact with Holocaust survivors. For additional information, contact Linda Medvin, Multicultural Curriculum Development/Training Specialist, 754-321-2968.

Westpine Middle Student Wins Whale of a Trip
Westpine Middle School eighth grade student Jacqueline Faerman lived a dream in Alaska this summer. Last year, Jacqueline was the winner in an essay contest sponsored by Miami MetroZoo. The topic was “Dreams of Alaska” and the grand prize was a trip to fulfill the dream. Her enthusiasm and communication skills set her apart from the four other finalists in the personal interview stage of the contest. Her winning personality and enthusiasm also came through in a television special, which aired recently on NBC 6. The half-hour special, titled Dreams of Alaska, brought Jacqueline’s Discovery Channel-like adventure home for friends and viewers of South Florida to experience. "It was amazing, the experience of a lifetime," she said. “Whale watching was a highlight, but the best of all was getting to see black and brown bears up close.”

Plantation Middle School Students Participate in Real Courtroom Drama
Students of Plantation Middle School law studies class recently participated in their first Mock Trial Competition. The real courtroom mock trial took place at the Broward County Courthouse. Plantation students acted as state prosecutors, defense counsel, and witnesses in a simulated criminal trail proceeding. The actual criminal trial scenario, which came from the archives of Broward County records, was known as the "Eddie Duke Armed Robbery Case.” The trial proceedings were ruled over by real Broward County judges and trial attorneys. Plantation Middle students competed against two teams from Coral Springs Middle School. The judges praised students for their courtroom poise, superior knowledge of the case, and the skill displayed in their arguments.

Three Broward Schools Nominated For National Blue Ribbon Program
Three Broward County Public Schools have been selected as the 2008/09 Florida Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence – McFatter Technical High School, City of Pembroke Pines Charter Middle and Pompano Beach High School. The names of the three schools were submitted by the Florida Department of Education for the federal No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Program. The federal program honors K-12 schools that either demonstrate academically superiority in their states or make dramatic gains in student achievement. It is the highest national honor that a school can receive. States are invited to nominate schools for the program. The Florida Department of Education can only nominate 13 schools for the awards, which honor schools that help students excel academically and that are making significant progress in closing the achievement gap. National winners will be announced in the fall of 2009 and will be invited to Washington, D.C. to be honored by national officials.

Best High Schools 2009 Search
U.S. News & World Report – in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education and data research and analysis business that provides parents with education data on schoolmatters.com – analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public high schools to find the very best across the country. These top schools were placed into gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories. In Broward County, five schools were named as silver medal winners: Atlantic Technical Center, Nova High, Pompano Beach High, Stranahan High and William T. McFatter Technical Center.

Broward Fire Academy Receives 2008 Best of Davie Award
The Broward Fire Academy at McFatter Technical Center has been selected by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) to receive the 2008 Best of Davie Award in the Schools category. The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small businesses through service to their customers and community. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

Glades Middle School Hosts Renowned Children’s Author
Glades Middle School recently hosted renowned author Sharon Draper. The Glades PTSA sponsored the author’s visit. Draper has received many accolades for her writing abilities, including being recognized in 1997 as the United States Teacher of the Year by President Bill Clinton. She has won numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award for literacy five times, and she has been recognized on the American Library Association’s Best Book Awards. Well known for her novels geared toward young adults, Draper spoke to Glades students about her novels they had read in their reading classes. She explained to the students that she writes because she cares for young adults. She encouraged her student audience to write about what they feel, see and experience, as this is where she receives her writing inspiration. Students were able to interact with Draper and ask questions about her characters, plots and even offered their own ideas for creative endings. Her presentation ended with autographing students’ personal copies of her novel.

Pompano Beach Elementary Hosts First Holiday Bazaar
Pompano Beach Elementary School will hold its first Holiday Bazaar on Friday, December 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Students have prepared all of the crafts and projects, which will be on display for sale. Craft items will range in price from 25 cents to $2. Proceeds from the student Holiday Bazaar will be donated to a non-profit organization. The event is open to the public. The school is located at 700 NE 13th Avenue, Pompano Beach.

College Academy @ BC to Hold Open House Events
The College Academy @ BC will hold informational Open Houses at Bailey Hall, Broward College, Central Campus on Tuesday, January 27 at 7 p.m. (for students whose last name begins with A-L) and Wednesday, January 28 at 7 p.m. (for students whose last name begins with M-Z). The College Academy @ BC is a joint District and Broward College educational experience, which offers high school juniors the opportunity to receive concurrently a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Broward College. Students enrolled in the accelerated college entrance program take both high school and college courses at BC’s Central campus. Tuition and books are provided at no cost for College Academy students. Students are also able to qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program as a Florida Academic Scholar or a Florida Medallion Scholar. Information and a downloadable application packet are available online at (www.collegeacademyatbc.org). For additional information, contact the College Academy @ BC, 754-321-6900.

Taravella High School Band to Perform in Presidential Inauguration Parade
The J.P. Taravella High School Marching Trojans band has been selected to perform in the 56th Presidential Inauguration Parade on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 in Washington, D.C. The Inauguration Parade will take place along Pennsylvania Avenue between the U.S. Capitol Building and the White House following the Presidential swearing-in ceremony. The 200-plus member band, led by Neil Jenkins and assistant band director Cheldon Williams, is the only high school band from the state of Florida scheduled to perform in the parade. The Florida A&M University Marching Band will also march in the parade. The J.P. Taravella High band was selected from among nearly 1,400 applications, according to a statement issued by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Finalists Named for School-Related Employee of the Year
Six finalists have been named for the 2008/09 Broward County School-Related (non-instructional) Employee of the Year:

Dolores Culver, Clerk Typist II, Flamingo Elementary
Amanda Muir, Micro-Computer Tech Specialist, Nova Blanche Forman Elementary
Cheryl Mutnick, Media Clerk, Pioneer Middle
John Richardson, Security Specialist, Cooper City High
Jannette Thompson-Irwin, Office Manager Confidential, Pompano Beach Middle
Andrea Tower, General Clerk II, Indian Ridge Middle

The winner will be announced at the School-Related Employee of the Year Recognition Breakfast on Wednesday, December 17 at 8:30 a.m. at the Signature Grand in Davie. For tickets ($20) contact Janet DelPinal, Office of Parents, Business and Community Partnerships, 754-321-1970 by Wednesday, December 10.

Blanca Guerra Named Foreign Languages Supervisor of The Year
World Languages Curriculum Specialist Blanca Guerra was named 2008 Supervisor of the Year by the Foreign Language Association for Managers in Education. Since becoming the District’s Foreign Language Curriculum Specialist in 2002, Guerra has been involved in leadership activities at the local, state and national levels. She has been active in writing grants to enhance foreign language and dual language instruction. One of her projects entitled “Twins” was selected as a national model. Guerra has been instrumental in organizing Foreign Language competitions and multicultural fairs for the District. She has been an innovator in the development of Curriculum Maps to be used throughout the state for teaching foreign languages to students. She has also contributed to the use of technology in acquiring language skills and cultural competence.

Joanne Harrison Honored with Annual Humanitarian Award
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Joanne Harrison, Educational Programs/Student Support, is the recipient of the 2008 annual March of Dimes Humanitarian Award for Education. The South Florida Chapter of the March of Dimes presents annual recognitions to achievers in a number of areas, including business, law, industry and education. Dr. Harrison was recognized specifically for her significant accomplishments in the field of K-12 education throughout her career with Broward County Public Schools. The award was presented to Dr. Harrison at a special ceremony last month.

Michael Roland Honored with Regional Workshop Award
The National Association of Workshop Directors has selected Michael Roland, Student Activities Liaison, as the Earl Reum Award winner for the Southeastern United States. This annual award is presented to individuals who excel in encouraging and promoting student involvement both in and out of the classroom. Roland is responsible for the design and implementation of the District’s student leadership training series, including the South Florida Leadership Training Camp and Camp Eagle. Roland received his award recently at the National Conference on Student Activities in San Diego, CA.

Town Hall Meeting Provides College Information to Hispanic Students
A town hall meeting with a panel of experts will provide information on navigating the college and financial aid applications process; discuss the importance of a college education; and explain of various educational and community resources available on Thursday, December 11 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at J.P. Taravella High School.  The event is hosted by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund in conjunction with the Multicultural, ESOL Program Services Department with support from FedEx.

Broward County's Character Trait for December is Kindness
Kindness: Being helpful, thoughtful, caring, compassionate and considerate.
   
The 411 Newsletter and News & Views Available Online
For environmental and budgetary reasons, The 411 is no longer printed.  The quarterly newsletter is now published only online at (www.browardschools.com). Just click on “Employees” and click on “The 411” banner to read current and back issues. News & Views is also available online.  Just click on the News & Views banner next to The 411 banner.  Both newsletters are 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.