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
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ANKLE &
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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
Foley.Debra@brevardschools.org
This publication is printed and distributed at no cost to the tax payer and is fully underwritten by the advertisers.
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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 communityservices@bcso.us
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.
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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
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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