Edition 3;  October 24, 2008

 

 

 

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Raising the Bar

Make-Up Days

Singapore Visitors

MRSA

BPS Scoreboard

AARP Honor

Soliven AP of Year

PE Awards

Outstanding Staff

Upcoming Events

Dear BPS Parents,

 

Fall is officially here!  The weather is turning cooler and the students have been in school for a full grading period.  Report cards will soon be heading home and parent conferences begin in a few weeks.  And, it is at this time of the year, we begin to think about the wonderful teachers across the district who teach and facilitate learning in all subject areas.  In this issue of the Brevard P.A.R.E.N.T., we highlight many of these dedicated individuals who excel in their field. However, we must always keep in mind that a child's first teacher is his or her parent, which is why I have reproduced (with permission) for you a wonderful article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal.  I'm sure you will agree that we are all working together with one goal in mind...student achievement.

 

I look forward to hearing from you in our customer service survey and through your story submission ideas.  Please let us know what your school, class or department is doing so we may feature you in upcoming publications.  Submit your story idea and photos using the link on the left below.  This link may be used to submit ideas for the electronic employee newsletter, the electronic parent newsletter, or the district's printed publication, the Mark of Excellence.

 

  Thank you,

  Christine A. Davis, Ed.S.

   Editor, Brevard P.A.R.E.N.T.

 

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 Raising the Bar: How Parents Can Fix Education

Everyone, it seems, has a complaint about the schools. Indifferent bureaucracy, change-averse unions, faddish curricula, soaring school taxes matched with mediocre student performance -- the list is long and seemingly unchanging.

At the start of yet another school year, it's time for some radical change in your local schools -- a specific change that only parents can bring about. It's a thing already being done in some far-off countries but that remains strangely rare here in America. It's something I've tried -- and, despite the skepticism of friends and neighbors, it seems to work.

What is this miracle that lies within the reach of nearly every family? It's simple. All you have to do is to start insisting that your children fully apply themselves to their studies -- and commit yourself to doing your part. That means making sure they do all the work expected of them as well as their abilities allow. It also means making sure everything at home stands behind these principles and supports the idea of learning.

These will sound like obvious ideas. In fact, given all the distractions of modern life, it is a radical departure from the normal order of things. Let's face it: More than budgets or bureaucrats, more than textbooks or teachers, parents are the reason that kids perform as they do in school.

In a survey of the research, Michigan's Department of Education summarizes the findings neatly: "The most consistent predictors of children's academic achievement and social adjustment are parent expectations of the child's academic attainment and satisfaction with their child's education at school. Parents of high-achieving students set higher standards for their children's educational activities."

One great thing about this statement is that income should not matter, since almost any family can insist that conscientious schoolwork be Job One. The stereotype, of course, is of frantic upper-middle-class parents bombarding their precious little ones in utero with Mozart and then hectoring teachers and hiring tutors right up until the Harvard application essay.

But my impression is that many prosperous parents pay mere lip service to education. A study of elementary-school families last year in the Quarterly Journal of Economics bears this out. Researchers at Brigham Young and the University of Michigan found that parents preferred teachers who make their children happy over those who emphasize academic achievement. My experience in a nonobsessive school district is consistent with this. Our family's intense focus on learning is regarded warily by some parents, whose dissatisfactions with school are mostly about testing and creativity but never about a lack of foreign-language instruction or overall academic rigor. Indeed, teachers have reported watering down the public middle-school curriculum in response to parental complaints that it was too difficult.

The lack of demand for serious schooling is the least of it. Too many kids are growing up in homes with little emphasis on reading, learning or culture. Nielsen Media Research reports that Americans ages 2 to 17 spend an average of three hours a day watching television, which is way too much for any good student. In a study of 4,508 middle-school students published two years ago in the journal Pediatrics, researchers found that weekday TV and videogames were strongly correlated with poor school performance.

Reading among the young is also in decline. The National Endowment for the Arts, in a sobering report last year, found that a mere 30% of 13-year-olds read for fun daily (a number that has been shrinking), while 13% hardly ever read for fun (a number that has been growing). The adults weren't much better; by their own report, Americans aged 15 and over spent less than 22 minutes a day on voluntary reading of any kind.

Is it any wonder that our children aren't doing as well in school as we'd like? Can we really blame the educational system, with all its shortcomings, for the failure of American children to emerge from years of costly schooling with a reasonable level of knowledge about the world, or with the ability to read, write, think logically and handle math? I don't think so.

Yet with some parental effort, children can do better. Lord knows I'm no Ozzie Nelson, and "My Three Sons" involved one more than I could ever handle. But I can convey something of my own family's experiment in education, which so far seems to be working.

The first thing we did was to tell our kids that we had no doubt they could do well, and that in fact we expect it of them. We declared that their education is our family's highest priority, and that during the school year everything in our home will revolve around their success in school. We reiterate these messages regularly, and we communicate them to teachers and administrators, making clear that we want to be kept well-informed.

With some effort, we resist the impulse to "help" our boys much with their homework. Would doing push-ups for them strengthen their arms? The same applies to schoolwork, whatever it is -- including science projects. But we make sure homework is done early, without loud music or other distractions. We're available for consulting, and while they're still young we review their work nightly.

We keep a tight lid on media. Computer time is limited, there's no gaming system, and during the school week virtually no television. Extracurricular reading is constantly encouraged, and we choose movies with care. For years now we've made a family project out of classic cinema, most of which is highly suitable for kids (and pleases grown-ups as well). "To Be or Not to Be" (1942), in which Carole Lombard and Jack Benny hilariously foil the Nazis, was recently a huge hit with our boys. They can have their jarring music, as long as there's no foul language or misogyny, but during family meals -- which we never miss -- they can get used to Mahler or Miles Davis.

We're also conscious that incentives matter. Like most kids, ours have spending money, cellphones and most other perks of prosperity. But none of these things are mandatory, and all parties understand that blowing off school will have a high cost. Extracurricular activities hinge on school performance too. Recently I heard from a friend that his teenage son, a superlative athlete, was getting poor grades, so I asked if they'd considered cutting back on sports. "I could never do that to him," my friend said, and I couldn't help thinking: "How could you not do it for him?"

We take the kids to museums and the like, but there's always room for athletics as well as silliness. An occasional brainless blockbuster at the mall on a rainy Sunday doesn't seem to be doing them any harm, and we spend ample time watching the Yankees and "The Simpsons." But it turns out that acing exams is lots of fun for kids too, and once they got going, my guys wanted to keep it up. Who knew?

Kids form lots of habits over the years, some good and some bad. What a nice surprise that doing well in school can be one of them.

By DANIEL AKST                                                                                                                                                   August 29, 2008; Page W9

Mr. Akst is a writer in New York's Hudson Valley.

 

URL for this article:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121996426389881371.html

“Reprinted with permission from The Wall Street Journal © 2008

 Dow Jones & Company.  All rights reserved.”

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 Make-Up Reminder

 

Parents please remember that Tuesday, Nov. 11 is a student make-up day due to Tropical Storm Fay.  During this make-up day, every school will be presenting a special dedication to honor all veterans.

 

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 Singapore Visitors                                                                                                                                 

In September, a delegation consisting of 10-12 principals and vice-principals from Singapore visited five schools, Gardendale Magnet, McNair Magnet, West Melbourne School of Science, Stone Middle, and Palm Bay High. The purpose of the visit was to gain an increased exposure to new learning experiences in the teaching of science and technology.  Additionally, Singapore dignitaries also wished to enhance their professional knowledge and skills, and to broaden their perspectives on educational and leadership issues.                                                     Visitors at Gardendale

McNair with Visitors

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 MRSA in Schools

The Brevard County Health Department along with school officials, want to do everything possible to protect students from Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) skin infections. These are commonly asked questions that will help parents and school officials prevent the spread of MRSA in schools:

What type of infection does MRSA cause?

  • In the community most MRSA infections that may appear as pustules or boils which often are red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. These skin infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body covered by hair.

  • Almost all MRS A skin infections can be effectively treated by drainage of pus with or without antibiotics. More serious infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or bone infections, are very rare in healthy people who get MRSA skin infections.

How is MRSA transmitted?

  •  MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection (e.g., towels, used bandages).

In what settings do MRSA skin infections occur?

  • MRSA skin infections can occur anywhere.

  • Some settings have factors that make it easier for MRSA to be transmitted.

    • These factors, referred to as the 5 C's, are as follows: Crowding, frequent skin-to-skin Contact, Compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abrasions), Contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of Cleanliness.

    • Locations where the 5 C's are most common include schools, dormitories, military barracks, households, correctional facilities, and daycare centers.

How do I protect myself from getting MRSA?

  • Practicing good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and showering immediately after participating in exercise).

  • Covering skin trauma such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed.

  • Avoiding sharing personal items (e.g., towels, razors) that come into contact with your bare skin; and using barrier (e.g., clothing or towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches.

  • Maintaining a clean environment by establishing cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin.

 Should schools close because of an MRSA infection?

  •  The decision to close a school for any communicable disease should be made by school officials in consultation with local and/or state public health officials. However, in most cases, it is not necessary to close schools because of an MRSA infection in a student. It is important to note that MRSA transmission can be prevented by simple measures such as hand hygiene and covering infections.

Should the school be closed to be cleaned or disinfected when MRSA infection occurs?

  •  Covering infections will greatly reduce the risks of surfaces becoming contaminated with MRSA. In general, it is not necessary to close schools to "disinfect" them when MRSA infections occur. MRSA skin infections are transmitted primarily by skin-to-skin contact and contact with surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection.

  • When MRSA skin infections occur, cleaning and disinfection should be performed on surfaces that are likely to contact uncovered or poorly covered infections.

  • Cleaning surfaces with detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectants is effective at removing MRSA from the environment.

Should the entire school community be notified of every MRSA infection?

  • Usually, it should not be necessary to inform the entire school community about a single MRSA infection. When an MRSA infection occurs within the school population, the school nurse and school physician should determine, based on their medical judgment, whether some of all students, parents and staff should be notified. Consultation with the local public health authorities should be used to guide this decision.

  • Remember that staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, including MRSA, have been and remain a common cause of skin infections.

Should the school be notified that my child has an MRSA infection?

  • Consult with your school about its policy of notification of skin infections.

Should students with MRSA skin infections be excluded from attending school?

  • Unless directed by a physician, students with MRSA infections should not be excluded from attending school.

  •  Exclusion from school should be reserved for those with wound drainage ("pus") that cannot be covered and contained with a clean, dry bandage and for those who cannot maintain good personal hygiene.

  • Students with active infections should be excluded from activities where skin-to-skin contact is likely to occur (e.g., sports) until their infections are healed.

I have an MRSA infection. How do I prevent spreading it to others?

  • Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages until healed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph, including MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages and tape can be discarded with the regular trash.

  • Clean your hands frequently. You, your family, and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound,

  • Do not share personal items. A void sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms that may have had contact with the infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Use a dryer to dry clothes completely.

When MRSA is suspected in your school, or if you have been notified by the Health Department please follow the listed procedure:

  1. Please contact the Office of Student Services and your Area Superintendent. The Office of Student Services will usually have the information if the Health Department is the organization that notifies your school of a suspected case or confirmed diagnosis. This office will work with the Area Superintendent to send an incident report to the Superintendent's office.

  2. The Health Department will call the parent to gather information and will notify the school principal as to what specific steps should be taken by the school. Each school may have a different situation.

  3. The Health Department will determine if an on site response is necessary.

  4. Letters should not be sent to parents without the approval of Dr. Olga, Dr. Heshmati or Barry Inman. The Health Department will always work in cooperation with the Office of Student Services relative to the information contained in any letter or correspondence.

If you have any additional questions please contact Betty A. Dunn, Assistant Superintendent, and Office of Student Services at ext. 270, or Pam Hamilton, School Health Coordinator, Brevard County Health Department at 454-7134.

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‘BPS Scoreboard’ Show Hits Highlights of Football Action

 

“BPS Scoreboard” is a programming addition on BPS-TV designed to keep high school football fans informed about their favorite teams. Each Monday through Thursday between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., viewers who tune in just before the start of regular BPS-TV programming will see the results of varsity football games played the previous Friday night.

 

“BPS Scoreboard” will continue through the end of the regular football season in November. BPS-TV can be seen on Bright House Networks digital channel 198 and over-the-air digital channel 68.3.

 

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Brevard Public Schools Selected by AARP as Best Employer for Workers over 50 for the Fourth Straight Year - BPS the Only School District to Receive National Honor

 

For the fourth straight year, Brevard Public Schools has been named by AARP as one of the Best Employers for Workers Over 50 and is the only school district in the nation to be so recognized. The national award was established by AARP to honor employers showing a commitment to a mature workforce. For 2008, BPS ranked 13th among the top 50 employers identified by AARP.

 

AARP invites employers to apply for the Best Employers honor by submitting an application outlining their exemplary policies and practices toward workers aged 50+. Candidates undergo extensive vetting prior to final selections. Key areas of consideration include recruiting practices; opportunities for training; education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits; retiree benefits; and age diversity of the workforce. Of BPS’ more than 9,500 employees, 42 percent are 50 or older and 72 percent are 40 or older.

 

"It is a tremendous honor to receive this prestigious national recognition for a fourth straight year,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard A. DiPatri. “Our School Board is committed to attracting and retaining an experienced workforce. In particular, our seasoned professionals bring diverse experience to our classrooms and to our district. They are among our greatest assets.”

 

The Best Employers winners were be honored at a dinner in Chicago on Oct. 7.  For more information, visit www.aarp.org.

 

Soliven Florida's AP of the Year

 

Stephanie Soliven, assistant principal at Cocoa High (CHS), was named Florida’s 2008 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award Winner.   The statewide honor was announced last evening in Tampa, at the fifth annual Commissioner’s Summit for Principals.  During the event, Soliven was presented with a check for $2,500.  CHS will also receive a check for $1,000. 

 

Soliven began teaching in Brevard County at Southwest Middle School (SWMS) in 1994 and was appointed as the school’s assistant principal in 2000.  She remained at SWMS until 2006 when she transferred to CHS. Soliven holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies education, a master’s degree in educational leadership and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Central Florida.

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Brevard Physical Education Teachers and Programs Receive FAHPERDS

 

Beth Cavallaro, Physical Education teacher from Fairglen Elementary, received the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award and Valerie Harville, Brevard Public School’s K-12 Resource Teacher for Health, Physical Education, Driver Education, received FAHPERDS highest award, the Peter Everett Honor Award during the Awards ceremony of the Florida Alliance for Health Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport (FAHPERDS) conference on Friday October 3, 2008. Brevard teachers also walked away with the Professional Recognition Award, given annually to Florida schools that have unique and innovative Physical Education programs. The teachers and their schools are Gary Odom & Sara Fernandez, MILA Elementary, Beth Cavallaro, Fairglen Elementary and Sally White, Palm Bay Elementary. 

Pictured from left to right are Gary Odom (MILA Elementary), Beth Cavallaro (Fairglen Elementary), Valerie Harville (Brevard Public Schools), Sara Fernandez (MILA Elementary) & Sally White (Palm Bay Elementary)

  

Outstanding Staff Development Awards

 

At the annual Fall Leadership Conference for the Florida Association of Staff Development (FASD), five BPS schools were recognized for their outstanding staff development practices.  Saturn Elementary, Cambridge Elementary, Endeavour Elementary, Golfview Elementary, and MILA Elementary Schools applied for this competitive award and were selected to receive recognition for Outstanding Staff Development Practices in all four areas of the Florida Professional Development System Evaluation Protocol, (PDSEP), which include standards in: Planning, Delivery, Follow-up and Evaluation. The Awards Luncheon was held on Tuesday, September 23 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Each school received a their plaque during the recognition ceremony.

 

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Upcoming Events

Event

Date

Time

Location

School Board Meeting Oct. 28

5:30 p.m.

ESF Board Room
Report Cards Issued Oct. 28    
High School Parent Conferences Nov. 3    
Elementary School Parent Conferences Nov. 5    
School Board Meeting Nov. 18

5:30 p.m.

ESF Board Room

 

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Editor:

Christine Davis,

District Communications

 

 

 


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