EdConnecMar2016Web - Brevard Documents
Transcription
EdConnecMar2016Web - Brevard Documents
Connecting Brevard Public Schools to its Community • Volume IV, Issue 5, March 2016 Council Addresses Key Opportunities for Communications, Morale, Resources The superintendent’s advisory council engages employees from all areas and is broken down into three improvement subgroups: communication, morale and recognition, and resources. Each subgroup is led by two BPS employees (representing teachers and support staff) who foster teamwork within the group and handle logistical and administrative details. “The Superintendent’s Advisory Council is a great opportunity to foster change for employees in Brevard Schools. Since its inception, this group has worked diligently to define concerns from all employee groups, narrow them down to common themes, and then create specific objectives to address these concerns,” said Rick Morton, morale team co-leader. The council was formed to serve three purposes. “First, the Superintendent wanted to provide a venue in which staff members could engage with central office staff regarding issues near to their hearts. Second, the establishment of liaisons between schools/departments and senior leadership provided another pathway to share information. Lastly, we know that we have talented people at BPS and their expertise could be utilized to impact positive change while allowing others to engage in new leadership opportunities,” said Michelle Irwin, director of Community Relations. The council was formed in January 2014 and originally had over 175 team members. Each elementary principal was asked to send one representative to the council and secondary principals selected two team members. District department heads each sent a representative as well. At the end of the 2014-15 school year, council members applied to continue with the program in order to make the committee’s size more manageable for the next phase of the project. COMMUNICATIONS This team is focused on three areas of internal communications including use of email, understanding of mandates, and improvement of tutorials to teach users about the functionality of the internal communications systems. “The team is making progress in identifying how to achieve some of the objectives and has developed a plan on how to tackle the issues at hand,” said Casey Piquero, communications team co-leader. “The committee is taking steps to make internal communications come together seamlessly,” Piquero explained. “We have outlined the hierarchy of how information flows and ideally what that should look like. We have described a method to fill positions in transition and proposed a job description if someone has to step in and fill an empty position. Inspiring pride in oneself and the ability to use communications tools well is another objective.” The committee wants to have a one-click button on the website for tutorials about internal communications and hopes to spearhead the District’s procedures on social media and the use of both professional and personal electronic devices and accounts. “This committee allows employees an opportunity to buy-in to the system and have a voice within the way the school system works,” Piquero said. MORALE The morale and recognition subcommittee is working on three primary objectives including professional development activities that engage all personnel, a comprehensive staff recognition program, and communicating with and training administration in new strategies to improve Continued on page 3 { Justin ANKLE & HAND SURGERY 2012 March 2016 edConnect 1 Insider: Board Chair Works to Improve Work, Learning Environment Each issue of edConnect strives to bring you an inside look at the departments, programs and people of Brevard Public Schools. edConnect sat down with newly elected School Board chairman, Andy Ziegler, to learn more about him. Ziegler has been on the Board since 2008. His most adamant statement was he wanted to hear from employees. “Reach out to me if you have suggestions about how we can be more efficient or how we can make a better work environment for you, or a better learning environment for our students,” he said. 2. What differences do you see in leadership style now that Dr. Blackburn has been here awhile? Dr. Blackburn brings a higher level of communications and can express the Board’s concerns and caring a lot better. He’s done a great job conveying to the District employees how much they matter to us and how much we want to do as much as we can for them and that they are respected. Also, he has clarified to the community that we want to communicate more. It’s all about relationships and communication. 3. What challenges does the Board face for 2016? Capital expenditures will continue to be a challenge as we manage and maintain the over 12 million square feet of commercial space, our large vehicle fleet, and aging 1. What makes the chairman’s job different from the other members of the Board? The chairman has an equal vote to the other members, but additional responsibilities like approving the agenda, acting as the Board’s spokesperson, and keeping the School Board meetings under control. technology. The other challenge will be working through Dr. Blackburn’s reorganization plan which is designed to make the district more efficient, but creates some changes in responsibilities so we’re going to have to make sure all of that flows well. 4. What is a typical day like for you? School Board Chairman Andy Ziegler takes a flight with the Blue Angels. That’s a complicated question since I wear lots of hats. In addition to acting as chairman and board member, I am also involved in a lot of charitable organizations. I am a board member of the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce and I work parttime for Artemis IT as the director of community relations. I do a lot of networking. I attend a lot of events where there are community leaders and citizens of every walks of life. I try to be very in-tune to what’s going on in the community. If an elected official is going to be a part of a community then he needs to go out and understand what’s going on in that community. 5. What is important to you with regard to the District? Like other elected officials, I’d like to find efficiencies and find ways to save money. Health care benefits are our second largest expense after salaries. Health care centers or clinics could save the District over $9 million in three years and provide better health care to our employees. 6. What do you like to do in your spare time? I wake up early and try to go to the gym every morning. That’s what keeps me sane. I enjoy bicycling and motorcycling on the weekends. I really enjoy riding with my wife and various different groups. You probably wouldn’t recognize me on the weekend because I’m dressed very differently. We let our hair down and have a good time. Ziegler enjoys motorcycling on the weekends edConnect is a publication of Brevard Public Schools. Superintendent Desmond K. Blackburn, Ph.D. School Board Members Chairman: Andrew J. Ziegler, District 5 Vice Chairman: Misty Belford, District 1 John Craig, District 2 Amy Kneessy, District 3 Karen Henderson, District 4 Published by the Department of Community Relations To have your story featured or for advertising information, contact Director: Michelle Irwin Assistant: Abby Rex Design/Layout: Daniel Jankowski Debra Foley, editor at 321-633-1000 x529 or [email protected] This publication is printed and distributed at no cost to the tax payer and is fully underwritten by the advertisers. 2 www.brevardschools.org Engage more fully Engage with BPS. more fully with BPS. Brevard Public Schools Educational Services Facility 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way | Viera, FL 32940-6601 321-633-1000 Brevard Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. Engage more fully with BPS. Volume IV, Issue 5 Continued from page 1 morale. “Our committee is working on ways to not only raise morale but also bring about inclusion district wide,” said Jane McDermott, morale committee co-chair. “Our incentives are intended to reach all departments.” Some of the projects the team are working on include district-wide jeans days, a team building activity for principals at their next leadership meeting, and a proposed back to school bash for all employees. “All employees, in all departments are eligible to wear jeans on a specific Wednesday in lieu of either their uniform or usual business attire. This ‘casual’ day during the week is meant to instill a feeling of appreciation and light-heartedness during the typically stressful work week,” McDermott explained. “We have solid focus on appreciating our employees and all of the hard work they do every day to make Brevard Schools great,” said Morton. RESOURCES “Our mission is to leverage resources and increase business partner opportunities,” said resources group co-chair, Laurie Chalko. “Our primary area of concentration has been to work on enhancing the BPS business partner program which benefits not only our schools and students, but the community as a whole.” The group is also working to enhance the understanding of the availability of grants and other revenue generating opportunities. Business partners are organizations who have entered into a relationship with one or more Brevard schools to provide some form of support for that school in exchange for opportunities to grow their business. Based on the knowledge that when a school’s business partner coordinator is strong, the program is exceptionally beneficial to that school, the group is working to create a marketing campaign to attract potential candidates for coordinator role. “We have involved some of our secondary media and graphics students in this process, giving them an authentic, real-world opportunity to make a difference,” Chalko said. This subcommittee is also working on ways to enhance communication between schools and business partners. An on-line grant writing course is in the works as well. SUMMARY Sometimes the subcommittees meet on their own and the entire group comes together once per quarter to share accomplishment and brainstorm new ideas. The group is actively in the work phase of the project now. Each subcommittee is working to execute its plan. “One of the more positive things to come out of this process has been our opportunity to provide each team with a budget to support their work, thanks to the advertising and marketing program that generates new funds for the district,” Irwin said. IT’S TIME TO BE A PARENT AGAIN By Sheriff Wayne Ivey Today's parents and children face challenges like never before. Drugs, gangs, bullying and even social media have completely changed our ability to keep watch over our children and give them constant guidance. Parenting is the most demanding job in the world. To make matters more challenging, many parents are unsure of what they can legally do to keep their children on the right track. In response to a growing call from parents, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office introduced two incredible programs to help parents and point troubled kids on a new path. The stark reminder about the importance of parenting our kids is evident on every flyer for the It’s Time To Be A Parent Again program: Because…It’s Hard to Tough Love Your Kids; It’s Harder to Visit Them in Prison; It’s Almost Unimaginable to Visit Them in a Cemetery. Sheriff Wayne Ivey and State Attorney Phil Archer present this empowering program designed to help parents become the chief law enforcement officer in their children’s lives by giving them the tools, resources and philosophy to steer their kids away from trouble and toward success. After meeting with many exasperated parents, an additional component was added. The Brevard Attitude Modification March 2016 (B.A.M.) program is designed to take youth, ages 10 to 17, into a jail-like setting to give them a realistic look at where continuing to make bad choices will lead them. It also gives them an alternative path and guidance toward positive choices for the future. The program is designed to help parents with kids who are making bad choices in life, starting to get in trouble or aligning themselves with poor associates. On program day, youths appear before a circuit court judge and are sentenced to the B.A.M. program. They are then handcuffed, shackled and loaded onto our transport bus, which transports them to the B.A.M. facility. Upon arrival at the facility, youths are booked in and changed into real jail attire. Then the program really begins with an interactive experience with jail staff and prisoners. From there, the youths begin to learn how life is in jail, and the consequences of their choices. program, we hold nothing back. The program gives youth a healthy dose of realism and educates them about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol. We also educate them on making smart decisions when dealing with peer pressure from friends. We will not only teach them what not to do, but offer them instruction and guidance in a new direction for the future. Positive choices are presented through life skills training and even a career fair. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is incredibly proud to present these programs at no cost to parents. For more information about these amazing programs, please contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Community Services Unit at (321) 264-7755 or [email protected] Visit www.BrevardSheriff.com This phenomenal program was designed to encompass the consequences of poor attitudes, bad decisions, and committing crimes. In this edConnect 3 half-cent sales surtax scheduled to be presented to the ICOC at its April meeting. CAPITAateL Project Plan Upd By Susan Hann, PE, AICP, director of planning and project management The capital plan priority list is in place to use the revenue generated by the sales surtax. The plan was based on the 2014 facility assessment and each and every project is revalidated in detail with a team of experts to ensure the District is investing the sales surtax funds to achieve the best results. A project starts with the project manager reviewing the 2014 facility assessment documents and talking with the District’s building official and plant operations and maintenance staff to get their perspectives on unresolved code issues, safety concerns, ongoing maintenance issues and failing system components. Then the District engages a design criteria professional (typically an architect or mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) systems engineer) to develop the design criteria package (DCP). The DCP documents all of the design issues that need to be addressed with the project. The DCP will identify categories funded through the sales surtax as well as other needs that may be funded with other sources or just documented for future investment. The development of the DCP usually includes one or more site visits and meetings with the school-based leadership. The DCP also incorporates any design standards that need to be noted and specifically identifies the sales surtax resources available for the project. The DCP also includes input from the District’s energy conservation engineer as to opportunities to incorporate energy saving and/or long term cost saving design concepts into the project. This is frequently where the professional staff and consultants make a preliminary determination as to the optimum project approach that can be achieved within the budget. The sales surtax program budgets were built on a “like for like” philosophy, but in cases where the schools have decades-old technology this is rarely the best solution. So, the team looks for ways to improve efficiency while still remaining within budget. Once the District has gone through the competitive process to select a design build firm to design and construct the project, the value engineering process is repeated again. The firm’s designers and the construction experts may also have good suggestions as to how to achieve the best results with the resources available. This can be a challenging exercise, but each project benefits from the collaborative approach involving the user, the maintenance team, the designer and the builder in the process. The project manager is responsible for leading this collaborative approach and narrowing the financially feasible options under consideration. Independent Audits In addition to the Independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee (ICOC), which was highlighted in last month’s “edConnect”, additional audit processes are in place. In addition to the ICOC’s annual presentation to the School Board, the group must present a report to the District’s audit committee. The next presentation will be April 28. The District’s internal audit firm RSM began an initial audit of the sales surtax program and will follow up intermittently throughout the program. Their review not only looks at the financial data, but also processes. Their report is The District also engages Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) to audit construction costs charged to the District on projects over $1 million (which includes most of the major sales surtax projects). CRI audits the project cost documentation provided to the District against actual charges by the construction firm. Most of the District’s major projects are done through a construction manager or a design builder where actual costs are documented and paid. This process was underway before the sales surtax program and has proven successful. CRI recently completed preconstruction rate audits for our continuing services construction managers and design builders to establish their labor rates and other costs typically charged to a project. They are also in the process of reviewing the close-out documentation for last summer’s major projects. The contractor does not receive final payment until the audit is complete and any adjustments to the final pay application made. The sales surtax program provides valuable resources towards critical systems that provide an environment conducive to learning. In addition to the clear and visible relationship between need and investment, the multi-faceted oversight of the program provides additional assurances that sales surtax funds are invested in these critical systems that support student learning. Show Your Spirit with the CCU High School Mascot Debit Card! 90 00 12 34 12 34 56 78 GOOD THRU 07/18 HSCHOOL ILOVE U HIG 90 00 12 34 DEBIT12 34 56 78 GOOD THRU ILOVE 07/18 OOL U HIGHSCH 00 12 34 DEBIT 34 56 78 90 12 GOOD THRU DEBIT 07/18 OOL HSCH ILOVE U HIG Membership is available to Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Volusia, & Polk County residents. Parent or legal guardian must be joint on Student Checking and give permission for debit card. $25 initial deposit required. Non-student accounts require a one time $5 membership fee. Federally insured by NCUA. 4 Exclusively from CCU, the High School Mascot Debit Card is available with your Personal Debit/Checking Accounts. It’s FREE! Open an Account & Ask for the Mascot Card Today! Online, by phone, or at a branch. www.brevardschools.org 321.690.2328 ccuFlorida.org/spirit Volume IV, Issue 5 Summertime Boredom? Consider Camp College-bound advice from the experts at Florida Institute of Technology While summer break offers school-age children a much-deserved respite from long days in the classroom, it shouldn’t be an excuse to let kids’ brains and bodies get bored. One way to keep a student’s learning momentum and personal development in full swing from June to August is summer camp. Learn Diligence Everyone fails at one point or another. But the lesson is to get right back up after a defeat and try again. As one continues the course, morale increases and a great sense of accomplishment will follow. A camp atmosphere often encourages kids to engage in trial and error process without suffering the pressures of a grade. Learn to Unplug If today’s students need a break from anything, it’s screens. Camp activities encourage young people to put down their gadgets and rediscover the off-line world of real people, real events and real emotions. Disengaging from distracting technologies can also have a positive effect on kids’ creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Long gone is the time when camp was limited to cabins in the woods. Today, summer camp options are diverse, plentiful, and perhaps most importantly, locally available. Summer camp providers in Brevard County include private businesses, not-for-profit organizations, places of worship, public entities, and educational institutions (including but not limited to your hometown research university, Florida Tech). There are half-day camps, day camps, and overnight camps—and families can choose from a wide variety of different themes. Learn to Try When students enter new situations, they may find themselves outside of their comfort zone. But unfamiliar scenarios can also inspire growth and could very well lead a student to discover a previously unrealized talent or passion. Some camps are activity-oriented. Some focus on academic topics and projects. There are sports camps for athletes and arts camps for the creative-at-heart. Point is, there’s now a camp for every kid regardless of age or interest. As an added bonus, consider the growth opportunities a week or more of an enriching extracurricular experience will provide: Learn for Life In addition to the aforementioned camp takeaways, a student enrolled in an academic camp (perhaps in engineering, math, or science) could leave with advanced skills and knowledge— perfect preparation for their next year of school, their first year of college, or a career of the future! Learn Teamwork Contributing to the success of a group can be empowering to any individual. Many students can get bogged down with their own individual tasks while in school, but camp opens up opportunities to meet others and work together towards one common goal in a more collaborative environment. Should students spend countless hours hanging out with friends, relaxing at the beach and playing video games this summer? Of course. But should they also spend a week or more engrossed in an exciting nearby summer camp? Most definitely. If you agree, then now is the time to start exploring your options. New Handbook Available for Florida’s Newest Drivers The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) announces its updated official Florida driver license handbook is now available with enhanced safety information for current and future Florida drivers. The handbook is now available for download at www.flhsmv. gov/resources/handbooks-manuals/ in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole. Students, parents and teachers can also download a free copy of the handbook in iTunes. Florida Tech, a proud BPS business partner, offers more than 50 camps focused on academics (particularly in STEM fields), athletics and art. For more information visit camps.fit.edu. “It is so important that we take the time to educate new drivers in a way that will foster safety and security on our roadways for years to come,” said Terry Rhodes, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. “Driving a car is one of the most dangerous activities that one can undertake. Instructing students and new drivers to not only understand current rules and regulations on responsibly and safely operating a motor vehicle, but also implementing these practices as they travel Florida roadways, can save lives.” Academics 2016tions for FUN! inary op Extraord ARNING & ER LE SUMM Sports Art Visit Camp Florida Tech at camps.fit.edu Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Florida Institute of Technology. Florida Institute of Technology is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status, or other non-merit reasons in admissions, scholarship and loan programs, educational programs, athletic or other university sponsored programs or activities, and employment including employment of disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam Era, as required by applicable laws. Contact the Title IX Coordinator at 321-674-8700. MK-087-216 March 2016 edConnect 5 What’s Cool in Schools ASTRONAUT HIGH Astronaut High’s, student technical director, Snowflake Stubli has been named as Florida’s nominee for the prestigious National Federation of State High School Associations’“Heart of the Arts Award.” The Heart of Arts award recognizes individuals Astronaut High student tech director, Snowflake Stubli who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts, and how areas such as music, speech, debate, theatre, visual arts and other performing arts activities represent the core mission of education-based activities. As the tech director, Stubli, a junior, stage manages mainstage productions, runs audio and lighting for school assemblies, community rental events, and coordinates staffing of tech students to make sure that any theatre events operate smoothly. She is also an active participant in community arts events outside the school as well, as she works and volunteers her time at the Titusville Playhouse, Greater Titusville Renaissance Association’s “Arts and Algorithms” Festival, Walt Disney World concerts, Brevard Zoo events, Lights of Hope holiday festival, and even commercial concerts such as Runaway Country. “Snowflake uses her teambuilding training, industry knowhow, and detail-oriented management skills to form lasting connections with other artists throughout the school and greater community to help promote and produce great arts events for audiences all over Brevard County,” theatre teacher, Alexander Nathan Kanter said. Stubli is now in the running for one of eight regional winners as well as one national winner for this honor. Like Us! DUAL ENROLLMENT BPS is proud of its partnership with Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) and the dual enrollment program that allows students to take classes at both their home high schools and EFSC. A group of dual enrolled seniors from Rockledge, Melbourne, Palm Bay Magnet and Bayside High Schools were invited to participate in a career fair sponsored by Health First at Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne. These students are enrolled in the patient care assisting (PCA) course at each of these high schools. The Panthers also created comprehension questions to accompany their books and ended their visit with the distribution of panther bookmarks and pencils. Each primary classroom that participated was given a copy of the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. “The Panther Paw Reading Buddies look forward to continuing to build a literacy friendship with our future panthers,” said Denise Peters, Heritage literacy coach. Senior students enrolled in patient care assisting courses at several high schools visit Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center for practical experience. Health First is a valuable partner to the allied health programs by allowing these students to obtain required clinical experience at their facilities as part of their coursework. Students at these high schools who are interested in any aspect of health care professions are also offered other allied health courses. “These students are licensed CNAs before graduation and there is a huge need for CNAs currently,” said Rockledge High allied health advisor, Julie Byczek, MSN, RN. “Most of our students will continue their education in some healthcare related profession, but they can work as a CNA while they go to school. It helps immensely to get admitted into programs when they see what these students have already accomplished.” Enjoy Our Outdoor Seating 601 E New Haven Ave | Downtown Melbourne 6 HERITAGE HIGH Heritage High School’s Panther Paw Reading Buddies kicked off Literacy Week with a visit to Riviera and Jupiter Elementary Schools in Palm Bay. Christina Smith’s intensive language arts students each chose a book to read to groups of 10 primary aged students. Heritage High student, Robert Rivers, reading to future Panthers at Riviera Elementary. MILA ELEMENTARY MILA Elementary’s student leadership team recently took a field trip to a local community partner, Melbourne's I Heart radio station, the home of Lite Rock 99.3, WMMB, and Kiss 95.1. Students were invited to take a behind the scenes tour of the station where they got to meet morning show hosts Mike and Mindy, as well as many of the members from the sales, programming, and business departments. Staff members Serving Lunch Tues-Sat 11-4 (321) 536-8499 www.brevardschools.org Seafood, Chicken, Pork & eggplant Po Boys Salads & Sides Takeout Available Volume IV, Issue 5 Several Palm Bay staff members braved the cold that morning including Courtney Bender, magnet office clerk; guidance counselor, Stefany Colona; and magnet coordinating teacher and business partner coordinator, Lori Reinhardt. “What a fun opportunity to spread the good word about Palm Bay Magnet High and watch some athletes participate in a fun event,” Reinhardt said. ROCKLEDGE HIGH Recently, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s running back, Earnest Graham, visited Rockledge High. His visit coincided with the school’s 102 percent increase in breakfast participation in the MILA Elementary students get a behind-the-scenes look at Melbourne’s I Heart radio station. spoke to the students about all the different responsibilities and tasks they are in charge of as well as the importance of schooling and keeping up with technology. “It was an unforgettable experience with a great take away message,” said Monica Weber, MILA Title I teacher and business partner coordinator. PALM BAY MAGNET HIGH As part of the recent Publix Melbourne Music Marathon weekend, local mascots ran a race. This event was well-received with the crowds of onlookers and coming in second place in that race was the Palm Bay Magnet High pirate mascot. Junior Palm Bay Magnet High’s pirate worn by Matthew Cook, crosses the finish line at the Publix Melbourne Music Marathon. football and track athlete, Matthew Cook, was inside the costume. March 2016 Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer running back, Earnest Graham congratulates students at Rockledge High for its breakfast participation increase. Dairy Council of Florida’s recent contest to remind students to eat healthy breakfasts. Graham was on hand to congratulate students for their efforts and reinforce to them the importance of eating breakfast, maintaining a healthy diet and living an active lifestyle. The school received a mobile breakfast cart with insulated storage bags and a milk cooler, which can be positioned in various locations at the school. With this equipment, the school can offer meals outside the traditional cafeteria service edConnect lines, enabling more students to have access to meals during breakfast and lunch. Manatee Elementary in Viera also won the contest by posting a 126 percent increase in breakfast participation during the eight-week contest period. WEST MELBOURNE SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE Two sixth grade West Melbourne Elementary School for Science (WMESS) students, were presented with the Best in Brevard award for their video, Coral Reef Destruction, during the Beneath the Waves – Youth Making Ripples film competition held at The Florida Institute of Technology recently. The Beneath the Waves – Youth Making Ripples film competition – is an opportunity for K-12 students (younger than18 years of age) to use their creative talents and serve as a voice for the world’s oceans. The contest asks students to submit their own marine related film on a topic of their interest. This is the pair’s second time winning the award. Their prize included gift certificates to West Melbourne’s On the Edge rock climbing gym. Their video was selected for inclusion in the Youth Making Ripples database to be used by teachers in their classrooms. “I am very proud of these students,” said Rebecca Shary, WMESS media specialist. “They worked hard on their video and did an outstanding job." 7 What’s Cool in Schools WESTSIDE ELEMENTARY Westside Elementary in Palm Bay had a special visit recently from the folks at Google. The technology company was on hand to honor Westside third grader, Landen Slater, who was named Florida’s winner in the nationwide Doodle 4 Google art competition. Doodle 4 Google is an annual contest open to students in grades K-12. Students are invited to create their own Google doodle for the chance to have it featured on the Google homepage. A "doodle" is the logo design that appears on www.google.com periodically to celebrate special events, holidays, or the lives of artists and inventors. Each year, Google asks students across the country to doodle based on a special theme. This year’s theme was "What makes me...me?" Google asked participating students to create a doodle that shows the world what they're passionate about, what gets them excited, or what they dream about. Slater’s doodle called “Google Tool Time,” expresses the student’s love of quality time spent with his grandfather and working with tools. “My drawing shows how my papa uses tools. He does carpentry, working with wood and tools. I go with him and help him when he works,” said Slater. “I am learning how to build things just like him. Tools are now part of my life.” Slater was announced as the state winner at a celebratory assembly surrounded by friends, family and school staff. In Westside Elementary third grader Landen Slater is celebrated for his Google doodle submission addition to his recognition, Slater received a Chromebook and Android tablet, as well as a t-shirt printed with his doodle on it. Who’s Who in the Hallways of Brevard Public Schools Viera High ESE coordinator, Courtney Baines Lundy’s world is wrapped around soccer. She and husband, Brian Lundy, co-coach the Viera High girls’ soccer team that recently won its second consecutive state championship. The team beat number one ranked St. Thomas Aquinas, a private Catholic school in Ft. Lauderdale, last month in a Division 4A show down. at Satellite High when that team won a state championship. (Haig went on to coach at Florida Tech and became a local legend in the game before he passed away in 2015.) Lundy went to the University of Central Florida to play soccer. While there she set a state record with 101 assists, was named defensive Soccer coaches Brian and Courtney Lundy took Viera High girls’ team player of the year, and was named all the way to a state championship. an academic all-American. She chose to major in special education when she realized soccer wasn’t an actual major at the school. Courtney Lundy’s love of the game goes back years to when her brother was playing basketball in the driveway of her “It’s really fun to be back in Brevard,” Lundy said. One of family’s Indialantic home with their father. “I think I wanted the best things is seeing teachers who were supportive of attention from my dad,” Lundy said. “I saw kids playing soccer her and important to her in high school as colleagues now. at recess at school and thought my dad would like me to do Linda Anderson (athletic director at Satellite) and Kevin that.” She went on to play club soccer throughout her school Mays (Viera’s football coach) are two faculty members she years. She fondly recalls the time spent with Coach Fidgi Haig remembers fondly. Lundy’s office is proudly decorated with soccer memorabilia, team photos, and school spirit items. She loves that she and her high school sweetheart, husband Brian, bring different perspectives to coaching the team. (Brian is the business administrator for Space Coast Soccer Club.) They have two young sons who have soccer balls and goals in their rooms. “Even though soccer is all around them, we aren’t pushing them into soccer,” Lundy said. Making the playoffs with her team of 24 girls took a lot of hard work and support from the entire Viera community, she explained. “Playoffs are all about a journey. In the end we all have the same goal. It takes a village. It’s pretty awesome.” Lundy is on the leadership track at BPS and hopes to one day be a school administrator. “Women in sports have to really love the game to play it professionally,” she said. “They aren’t paid nearly as well as the men.” Viera High girls’ soccer team heaps on the love for its coach, Courtney Baines Lundy. 8 www.brevardschools.org Volume IV, Issue 5 Helpful Tips for Interpreting Adolescent Behavior By Lisa Pompa, LMHC, Assistant Clinical Director, Devereux Florida While some teens will experience their adolescence without significant behavioral changes, many will show noticeable differences. The tough job for parents, family members, teachers and friends is to know when to seek assistance from professionals to help them through these challenging times. BEHAVIORAL CHANGES “My child is acting differently – should I be concerned?” Parents are the primary referral source for most children who receive professional services. They know their kids better than anyone and are able to notice when they are not functioning as they once were, or if they are struggling with an issue. TRIGGERS “She didn’t use to act like this. I wonder what happened.” As children are presented with different life events, they often exhibit emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to these stressors. Some of these adjustments that may trigger a response include: 1.Changes in family composition, such as divorce, death, birth of a sibling, or relatives moving in and out of the home. report, make an appointment with the teacher for a conference and discuss the issues. Look to form a partnership with your child’s teacher and problem solve together. BARRIERS Although a treatment plan may be covered by Medicaid or other forms of insurance, some families resist seeking professional help for issues that are disruptive to their family. 1.Guilt – “It’s my fault. I’m a bad parent.” 2.Changes in environments, like moving, changing schools, or attending a new church. 2.Embarrassment – “What will our friends say about us?” 3.Changes in peer relationships or moving through developmental stages that sometimes present difficulties. 4.Transportation – “I work two jobs. There’s no way I could find a way to go to counseling” 1.Poor school performance can be evidenced with poor grades (despite good efforts), poor behavioral reports, ADHD, defiance, learning issues or sadness. 2.Minimal peer relationships may be due to poor social skills, maturity issues, and negative peer selection, possibly with low self-esteem as the cause or the result. 3.Defiance, tantrums, refusal to go to school, aggression, rudeness, and argumentativeness are red flags. 4.Any significant changes in behavior such as change in mood, response, friends, activities, habits, routines, sleep patterns or eating patterns should be noted. If they are affecting your family, they should not be ignored. SCHOOL CUES Teachers often may notice symptoms or behaviors that parents do not see at home due to the different environment and demands that are placed on children in the classroom. Watch for school progress reports that may include statements like: 1. Not staying on task 2. Not listening 3. Touching others 4.Not using time wisely or daydreaming Take an active role in your child’s education. If there is a statement about new or changed behaviors on a progress 3.Pride – “I can handle this on my own.” 5. Culture – “We live in a traditional home and do not believe mental health treatment.” TAKING ACTION FOR YOUR FAMILY How do you find a qualified clinician who has experience working with kids and teens? While education and experience is important, it’s also important to find a therapist your child feels comfortable talking to. Your pediatrician or family doctor can be a good source of a referral. Still not certain if professional behavioral help is for your family? Lindsey Phillips, Director of External Affairs for Devereux Florida, puts it this way: “If your child has the flu, you take her to the doctor for medicine to help her feel better. If your child has an emotional or behavioral issue, why wouldn’t you seek professional guidance to help her feel better?” For more assistance and to find individualized services in the least restrictive environment possible, contact Devereux Florida, who offers a variety of residential treatment programs including specialized services for survivors of sexual exploitation, throughout Brevard County. To learn more visit www.devereuxFL.org or call 1-800-DEVEREUX (800-338-3738) ext. 77130. Come join us on an expedition! locations: • Quest • Enterprise • Stevenson May 31st to July • Ralph Williams • Harbor City • Suntree • Imperial Estates • Spessard holland • West Melbourne School for Science 22nd For more info contact your elementary school’s after school coordinator or 321-633-1000 Ext. 357 March 2016 edConnect 9 Head Start Now Accepting 2016-17 Applications Brevard Public Schools will offer the Head Start program at selected schools with limited enrollment for the 2016-17 school year. Head Start provides a prekindergarten program that provides a foundation for school readiness, not only for the child, but the entire family. To be eligible, children must be: three or four years old on or before September 1, 2016; a resident of Brevard County, and the family must meet the income guidelines established by the federal government. North Area Central Area Pinewood Elementary Riverview School Cambridge Elementary Cocoa High Endeavour Elementary Saturn Elementary Sherwood Elementary All families interested in applying for the program must meet with a family advocate to determine eligibility. Please contact a Head Start family advocate closest to your homeschool, from the list below, to request an appointment. South Area Discovery Elementary Jupiter Elementary Palm Bay Elementary Port Malabar Elementary South Area Head Start University Park Elementary GED Students Find Accelerated Path to Work By Barbara Clift and Tonya Holder Students who leave school before earning their high school diploma may face uncertain workplace options. Earning one’s GED can greatly increase those choices. Now there’s a program to take the GED a step further. Florida’s Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (FICAPS) is the next phase on the adult education career pathway. The overall rationale of FICAPS is to create a seamless pathway that will integrate qualified adult education GED® students into a workplace credentialing program. • will work to obtain postsecondary certificates and achieve basic skill gains more quickly than when they are enrolled in traditional adult education programs. • earn their high school equivalency diploma and begin the pathway to earn credentials that have labor market value. Through FICAPS, students: • will concurrently enroll in the GED® Preparation program and a career and technical clock hour certificate program at school district technical centers/colleges and/or state colleges that are tied to highgrowth high-wage industries, fields, or occupations as locally/ regionally determined. • will be provided a combination of academic and occupational instruction, career guidance, and support services. • will be experience accelerated progress and making the basic skills component more relevant to their interests and career goals. Central Area Adult Education at Clearlake in Cocoa, has five GED students concurrently enrolled in the GED program and the manufacturing skills standards council certified production technician (CPT) course at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC). The program is designed to help these students not only earn their high school diplomas, but also earn credits towards an associate’s degree, and help them gain entry level employment into the manufacturing industry. The CPT certification course fees and books are paid through grants, community and business partners’ gifts and other contributions. After successful completion of the CPT course, these GED students will earn 16 credits towards an engineering technology associate’s degree at EFSC. Our students are provided individualized GED instruction three days a week and they attend CPT courses two days a week. These students are also provided hands-on experience with equipment and instrumentation at EFSC machine labs. In addition, students are given contextualbased teaching, so they are able to build links between their GED content and their CPT content to successfully pass their GED exams and their four CPT exams. For more information, please contact Brevard Adult Education, at 321-633-3575 x120. Brevard Adult education call 321-633-3662 www.brevardadulted.com Only $30 per semester Get your GED to start college soon. New Semester Starting Soon! 10 www.brevardschools.org Volume IV, Issue 5 Top 5 Tips for Parents – How to Help Kids Clean 4. Limit the Toys: Keep the clutter under control. Place toys in covered storage bins that are easy to maintain and store. Bins overflowing? It’s time to help your child weed out the “keep” and “donate” toys. This practice will help them stay organized and learn how to give back. *Source: “Secrets to Cleaning with Kids”– parents.com March 2016 edConnect 4.10; 100,000 Math answers from page 12: 1. 8; 64 5. Make Believe: Young children love to role-play, so try indulging your young one in pretending to work for a cleaning company. Provide them with cleaning kits, gloves and an apron. Reinforce a team mentality to complete the jobs assigned. 3. 400; 50 3. Be Specific: The age-old phrase “clean your room” is too vague for most children to understand, instead give one direction or instruction at a time. For example, “Put all your colored pencils back into the pencil case.” 2. 25; 45 2. Be Realistic: Your toddler doesn’t have the capacity or coordination to make their bed yet, celebrate the small contributions they make verbally. 5. 0; 8 6. 160; 40; 5 1. Start Them Young: By instilling life skills in your child at a young age, children will understand household expectations as they grow older. The key is making sure that they are assigned age appropriate tasks. For example, for toddlers it might be putting toys away, while ten-year-olds might be asked to help clear the table after dinner. 11 257 E Eau Gallie Blvd Indian Harbour Beach FL 32937 12 Implants to help retain dentures Jayanthi Chopra DDS MD Beachside Oral Surgery and Implants 321-426-7816 wisdom teeth evaluation gentle and personalized care relaxing intravenous sedation www.brevardschools.org Volume IV, Issue 5