School Board Student Rep Update, Allison Selg
Allison Selg, the student representative to the school board, used a PowerPoint presentation to share recent events from around the district. Starting with Chocachatti Elementary, Selg reported that teachers are using early release days to encourage student involvement in science experiments. Students stated they enjoy the choices available at the cafeteria. They also like the specials and micros.
Pine Grove Elementary has started the Urban Gentlemen and Leading Ladies groups. The annual Winterfest is scheduled for 12/08/16 from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. The Holiday House will be available for students. Held by the PTO, students are given the opportunity to shop for gifts for their families. Teachers will also have academic trainings for parents that night.
Westside Elementary students enjoy choosing to participate in Tiger Clubs every other Friday. The clubs Selg mentioned are: Computer Engineering (which updated the RAM on teacher laptops), Art, Spanish, Sign Language, Fitness, and Drama. Students state they are dedicated to excellence.
Selg gave the board members three suggestions from elementary schools: water day, more recess, and more PE equipment.
Winding Waters K8 is planning a History Club meeting for 11/21/16 and has been discussing topics for the event. October 24 was the kickoff to Anti-Bullying Week, and students wore red that day. Other events included saying “Boo!” to drugs, followed by mismatched sock day.
Parrott Middle School recently supported preventing drug use with Red Ribbon Week.
Fox Chapel Middle School uses half-days to participate in teacher-sponsored “action teams” (such as crafting, brain bowls, and soccer) which promote leadership skills in the students. Look for BETA club to begin following the honor roll assembly and for the drama club presentation of OZ in November.
Nature Coast is seeing success in sports. Students are proud of their undefeated football team and the girls golf team, which is participating at the state-level event. Selg said homecoming was also successful, and the theme was “Light Up the Night.” A mock election was planned for 11/4/16.
Weeki Wachee High School’s cross country team will compete in the state championship on 11/5/16. History came alive with Mr. Maternowski’s “Meeting of the Minds,” which had students researching and reenacting historic figures in their US History class. Friday mornings, students may join the Bible fellowship lessons which strengthen and encourage students in their faith.
Selg announced that November is Anti-Bullying Month, and stated that in the next few meetings she will present the various ways that schools demonstrate that they prevent bullying.
Superintendent School Board Update
The 11/01/16 Superintendent’s Update was shared by Public Information Officer Karen Jordan. She began her presentation with a welcome for the new principal of Moton Elementary, Joe Frana. Frana, with 26 years of experience in education, was most recently the principal of Astatula Elementary School in Lake County. His 11 years as an administrator will be an asset to Moton, Jordan said, as he seeks to build relationships with staff and families.
With the assistance of Hernando County’s Supervisor of Elections, mock elections in the district have been in progress at schools. Students are learning about civic responsibility in class, and will demonstrate this by casting their vote.
The ESOL Parent Leadership Council was held at JD Floyd on 10/18/16. This was designed for parents and families of English Language Learners, and more than 150 people attended. There were educational workshops in several areas, including graduation requirements, parent academy opportunities, and helping children with homework. Students’ successes were recognized as well, including the summer Rosetta Stone contest. Kindle Fire tablets were awarded to the top three award winners.
A regional workshop with national trainer from the WIDA Consortium took place from 10/18/16 to 10/20/16. WIDA’s mission is to help children who are learning English to improve academically using various methods and with professional educators. WIDA works with the Department of Education in many states.
The Model Schools Conference was held during the professional development day on 10/21/16 at Challenger K8. The half-day event was attended by 160 teachers, leaders, and administrators. Jordan said that those who attended were so encouraged by the conference that they are requesting to have a full day for next year’s conference.
The 2nd annual College and Career Readiness Expo was a success, Jordan said. It was held on 10/25/16 at the Pasco-Hernando campus in Spring Hill and was designed to show middle school students the options ahead of them in high school. There were 64 vendors, 284 students/parents in attendance, and 41 student ambassadors.
Jordan listed three projects that the Half-Cent sales tax is paying for. The roof at JD Floyd Elementary is almost finished. The roof at the Springstead High School theater is in progress. Eastside Elementary will soon see improvements to the roof, windows, and plumbing. The Half-Cent Committee met on 10/27/16.
SunTech participated in the 5K Fun Run on 10/15/16 at a race benefitting New Beginnings Youth Shelter. An accreditation team from NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) visited on 10/24/16 and 10/25/16.
Jordan announced a “meet and greet” ESE advisory meeting for 11/15/16 at Pine Grove Elementary from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Additional details can be found on the district’s website and Facebook page.