Hallandale Adult Community Center Home of Teacher of the Year 2010
Tony Dutra, a reading teacher at Hallandale Adult Community Center, says his teaching philosophy is inspired by the words of Mahatma Gandi, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” That philosophy, along with his teaching skills and dedication, lead Dutra to be named Broward’s 2010 Teacher of the Year. A teacher for 11 years, Dutra’s goal is to be the consummate 21st Century teacher for his students. He earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Florida Atlantic University. He has successfully merged his passion for both ESE and technology to benefit not only his students, but also others across the District. Dutra is known for his ability to foster a “can-do” attitude in his students and co-workers. He always goes above and beyond and thrives on learning, teaching and bettering the lives of his students.

2010 Broward Teacher of the Year finalists:
Lara Coronel, McNicol Middle School
Christine Donahue, Northeast High School
Gloria Edwards, Coral Cove Elementary School
Dianne Feraco, South Plantation High School
Bonnie Goldstein, Atlantic West Elementary School
Sarah Rappaport, Seminole Middle School
Dori White, Sawgrass Springs Middle School

District Launches Innovative Anonymous Tip Via Text Messaging Program
The District has launched a new Anonymous Tip Via Text Messaging program to provide students an alternative tool for anonymously reporting dangerous or unusual situations or individuals to District officials. Students, teachers, staff and parents along with members of the public, can now send anonymous tips via text message from any cell phone. All text messages must begin with SBBC [space] followed by the message and sent to CRIMES or 274637. Using TipSoft Text Tips information is anonymously received and securely replied to in confidence. The service was designed specifically to permit informants to remain anonymous by encrypting the text messages and routing them through several secure servers. Anyone can send an anonymous message to the District, regarding illegal activity, such as the sale and distribution of drugs, weapons, violence, vandalism, theft, unusual student behavior, or information about crimes that are being planned. This text messaging service complements the current communication reporting tools including the telephone hotline (754-321-0911) staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week; E-mail (school911@browardschools.com); and the Internet (www.broward.k12.fl.us/siu/tips/).

2009/10 School Year and Work Calendars Approved
The School Board approved school and work calendars for the 2009/10 school year. The school calendar reflects six paid holidays, 10 employee planning days, and six early release days beginning in August and ending in June. Students will begin school on August 24, 2009 and end on June 9, 2010. Winter break will begin on Monday, December 21, 2009 with classes resuming Monday, January 4, 2010. Spring break begins on Monday, March 29, 2010 and runs through Monday, April 5, 2010, with students returning to class on Tuesday, April 6. Year-round schools and work calendars were also approved along with the 2009 and 2010 summer term calendars for community schools and technical centers. For a look at the 2009/10 school year calendar, click on (www.browardschools.com/calendar/cal0910.htm).

Magnet Programs Celebrates Magnet Schools of America
The Magnet Programs Department is celebrating Magnet Schools of America throughout the month of January. To celebrate, more than 63 magnet programs in 47 schools, ranging from Aviation to International Baccalaureate and Performing & Visual Arts are hosting open houses, tours and demonstration activities highlighting magnet programs learning options and opportunities. The magnet application deadline for the 2009/10 school year is February 17. For open houses and tour dates, visit online at (www.browardschoolsmagnetprograms.com). Magnet applications are also available online or at any school. For additional information, contact Magnet Programs, 754-321-2380.

Nova Lottery Window Opens to the Public
Nova Schools applications will be accepted through March 31 for the 2009/10 school year. An online application is available on the District’s Web site homepage at (www.browardschools.com) or accessible directly at (www.broward.k12.fl.us/casdl/reassignmentproject/checkstdt.asp). Copies of the application are also available at the NCLB & Reassignments Department at 7770 W Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise. Applying online is recommended. When applying online, print confirmation page to acknowledge processed application. Only one application per student can be submitted during the window. For additional information, contact the NCLB & Reassignments Department, 754-321-3035.

Students At Martin Luther King Elementary Celebrate Dr. King’s Birthday
A dramatic 18-foot by 12-foot wall mural honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. along with other historical legends, including Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman and also including President Barack Obama, served as the backdrop and highlight of a special program honoring Dr. King at Martin Luther King Elementary School. The celebration took place on what would have been Dr. King’s 80th birthday, January 15. The tribute included student performances in songs, poems, speeches and musical presentations. Special keynote speaker for the occasion is Carlton Moore, former Commissioner for the City of Fort Lauderdale. Local artist Etheridge G. Lovett, who completed the school’s mural last summer, was also in attendance to mark the occasion. The observance concluded with students laying a wreath in remembrance of the life and contributions of Dr. King.

Safety Expo For Secondary Students and Parents
Students attending Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Coral Springs Middle and Westglades Middle schools and their parents attended a safety expo hosted by Stoneman Douglas High on Wednesday, January 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Participants heard speakers and presentations including certified anti-violence counselor and veteran city of Miami police officer Joe Schillaci and Broward County Sheriff Al Lamberti, attended sessions on topics including Internet safety, cyber-bullying, bullying, substance abuse, how to deal with off campus issues, gang awareness, and keeping weapons out of schools. The expo provided information services available to Broward students and their families. For additional information, contact Shelly Heller, 954-557-7760.

Brain Brawl Teams Win Countywide Championships
The seven-member Plantation Middle School Brain Brawl Team, competing in its first Brain Bowl event, won the Middle School Brain Brawl County Championship, sponsored by the Broward Chapter of the National Honor Society. The Plantation Middle School team topped Pioneer Middle School to post an undefeated 6-0 record in competition. Cypress Bay High School claimed the High School Brain Brawl Championship, topping Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As a result, the Cypress Bay High School Brain Brawl team will represent Broward County at the Commissioners Academic Challenge at Walt Disney World in April.

The Plantation Middle School team, led by school National Junior Honor Society advisor and team coach Diana Snead, included student participants Emily Bernstein, Gregg Bernstein, Kayla Derby, Brett Keeler, Brendan Krimsky, Bryan Schall and Bradley Snider. Coach Eric Adzima leads the eight-member Cypress Bay High School team Frederic Gambale, Ryan Garcia, Christian Parra, Michael Getz, Ari Novick, Leanna Braun, Stephanie Cohen and Jay Schwartz.

International Delegation From Dubai Visits Dillard High School
The Dillard High School Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program recently hosted an international delegation from the Tourism, Development and Investment Company (TDIC) representing the Abu Dhabi Educational Council. The TDIC, an investment and land development corporation of the United Arab Emirates, is interested in modeling Dillard’s cultural arts program. The TDIC’s mission is to identify schools that would serve as models for developing artistic excellence. The seven-member delegation met with District and school administrators, teachers and students. The daylong visit included student presentations and demonstrations, and discussions about potential alliances and global partnerships. TDIC is interested in establishing world-class performing & visual educational institutions in Saadiyat to fulfill the Emirates’ ambitions of becoming a global center of distinction. Dillard has been regarded by the TDIC as a premier institution and is the only performing and visual arts school in Florida selected to be visited by the Dubai delegation.

Nova Principal Finalist for Technology Award
Chuck McCanna, principal of Nova Blanche Forman Elementary School, is among the finalists selected for the 2009 Florida Council of Instructional Technology Leaders (FCITL) Innovative Principal of the Year Award. Finalists for the award are selected based on their success in effectively integrating technology into the classroom-learning environment. All of the finalists will be honored with special digital video presentations depicting how they have successfully employed technology to enhance the learning process at their respective institutions.

Wilton Manors Elementary School Counselor Named as Finalist
Wilton Manors Elementary School counselor Ana Maria Leon has been named one of the top 10 school counselors in America. The program, which is sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, honors the professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates and even lifesavers for the nation’s students. A counselor for over 15 years, Leon inspires positive change in her school and community. She is widely respected for the development of several programs, most notably the Passport of Peace program, which helps create an atmosphere of citizenship in the school by having students learn, practice, and demonstrate positive character traits. Leon, along with the other nine finalists, will be flown to Washington, D.C., on January 28, 2009 for three days of celebratory events. The honorees will have meetings with their members of Congress, attend a Congressional briefing and reception, and be formally recognized at a black-tie gala.

Security of Health Information Starts with a Password
Did you know computer passwords are like the deadbolt to your front door? A weak password is like using Scotch tape to keep it locked. The Educational Technology Services (ETS) and Risk Management departments are working together to ensure Protected Health Information (PHI) is kept private and secure. Privacy applies to all PHI (for example, disclosures of treatment and payment information by the Benefits Department staff regarding the Health Plan), whether written or verbal. Security applies to PHI stored, sent, or received via computer, including e-mails.

Here are some tips for creating a strong password:
Passwords should be at least six characters long.
Passwords should contain at least one alphabetic and one numeric character.
Passwords should contain at least one punctuation character.
Passwords should be changed at least every 45 days.
Most importantly, passwords must not be shared with anyone, or they will not be useful for very long.

For additional information, contact Todd Sussman, Privacy Officer, Risk Management Department at 754-321-3220.

Broward County's Character Trait for January is Respect
Respect: Showing consideration, understanding and regard for people, places and things.

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.