Brevard PARENT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

A few years ago, the New York Times reported on a life expectancy study which revealed that people with more education live longer. James Smith, a health economist at the RAND Corporation, was featured in the article entitled “A Surprising Secret to a Long Life: Stay in School.” According to the Times, he found “the one social factor that researchers agree is consistently linked to longer lives in every country where it has been studied is education. It is more important than race; it obliterates any effects of income.”

An education, besides increasing life span, also improves the quality of life and one’s standard of living. Research also shows that overall lifetime income is far greater for those who continue their education through high school, college and beyond. Additionally, it is a well known fact that good attendance in school is linked to high academic achievement. There is almost a direct correlation between the two.

Education has its rewards. If our students take advantage of the excellent opportunities they have in our schools every day, they can expect to learn more, earn higher grades and score higher on tests including the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) and the SAT for college admission. They may also earn more, live better and live longer.

In Brevard County, our students are receiving the message. Brevard Public Schools (BPS) high school students are much more likely to stay in school and earn a diploma than their counterparts in almost all other Florida public schools. According to the Florida Department of Education, BPS’ graduation rate remains among the highest in the state, recorded at 95.3 percent for 2008-09. The 2008-09 state average for graduation rates is 78.6 percent.

The idea is clear, if students take just one simple step this year: come to school every day (unless sick) they are on their way toward the proverbial “brass ring.” Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that are available to you. If students show up, do their work and learn all they can, they are far more likely to be rewarded with higher grades and a brighter future. BPS is doing all that it can to ensure your life will be filled with wonderful opportunities. Education Week now ranks Florida 8^th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia for its overall system of education. As you are well aware, Brevard is first in many areas. We continue to offer exemplary programs for our students and excellent teaching staff.

As the second half of the school year begins, I want to thank you for your support of education, your involvement in our schools and your encouragement of good attendance. Every day counts. The benefits of raising lifelong learners are worth the effort.

Sincerely,

Brian T. Binggeli, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Teacher of the Year Finalists

Representing more than 117 years of teaching experience in a multitude of subject areas, from elementary, middle and high school grades, these BPS Teacher of the Year finalists symbolize the high quality of Brevard’s teaching force. The 2010 BPS Teacher of the Year will be chosen by a committee comprised of education, business and civic leaders in a formal selection process and will be announced in ceremonies at the Teacher of the Year banquet on March 4.

Andrea Boley – Southwest Middle School

Andrea Boley has been teaching music for 27 years with 21 of those at Southwest Middle School. She currently serves as department chairperson and is the Brevard County Middle Schools All-County Honor Choir chairperson. She also received a 25 Year Teaching Award from the Florida Music Educators Association. Boley is the sponsor of Southwest’s chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and is a former State chairperson for Tri-M. According to Principal Todd Scheuerer, "Ms. Boley’s deep commitment to her students creates a world in which her students can find understanding, direction and a foundation from which to launch their dreams.”

Kathy Crisafulli – Audubon Elementary School

Kathy Crisafulli has been a Library Media Specialist for 4 years and has taught at Audubon Elementary for a total of 12 years. Crisafulli was a recipient of the Florida Power Library Award 2009-2013 and is also a recipient of the Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palms Literary Award. To motivate her students and promote reading, she creates a theme for each grade level and assumes a character role such as “Detective Cynthia Sleuth.” According to Audubon’s Principal Lynn Francisco, “Students know Mrs. Crisafulli loves reading and literature so they catch this excitement and want to go to the library as much as possible.”

Andrea DeFrates – Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School

Andrea DeFrates has been teaching Biology in Brevard County for eight years, all at Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School. She acts as the club sponsor for the Environmental Club, Community Problem Solvers and the Future Medical Professions Club. In 2006 DeFrates received the Area IV Superintendent’s Award for establishing the J. Kyle Braid Leadership program at Space Coast Jr./Sr. High. Robert Spinner, Space Coast Principal says, “She is an exemplary teacher, committed to the profession, who believes that students should be actively involved in their education. Every student and every adult she deals with feels like they are important to her.”

Christina Donohue – Atlantis Elementary School

An Atlantis Elementary School teacher for the past four years, Christina Donohue currently teaches fourth grade. In 2008 she received an Area IV Teacher Innovation Award for her use of technology. Donohue initiated a Charter Elementary National Honor Society at Atlantis and acts as the club’s advisor. She has helped to organize FCAT Information Nights which helps alleviate the anxiety of parents as their children prepare for the exams. She is also the sponsor of the school’s Earth Club and brought an outdoor classroom to Atlantis. Donohue has served as the Scholastic Director for the local Pop Warner league and has recently been appointed as Assistant Director for the Mid-Florida area. Atlantis Principal Sherry Tomlinson said “Ms. Donohue has an emotional and professional stake in each of her students. She puts everything she has towards helping them and the school at large be successful.”

Cynthia Hosken – Spessard L. Holland Elementary School

Cynthia Hosken has taught physical and health education at Spessard Holland Elementary for the last six years. She is the Chess Club and Running Club sponsor and serves on the Brevard County Physical Education Leadership Team. When not teaching at Holland, Hosken is actively involved in Boy Scouts. According to Nancy West, Principal at Holland Elementary, “Cynthia Hosken models positive attitudes for students, parents and staff. She is a dynamic and effective leader, compelling staff to reach for greater excellence in serving students and the surrounding community.”

Sherie Jenkins - West Shore Jr./Sr. High

A science teacher at West Shore Jr./Sr. High for the past 12 years, Sherie Jenkins has been a member of the teaching profession for 14 years. She is currently the Science Department Chair as well as a member of the Reading Leadership Team and Cross Curriculum Writing Team. Jenkins was a National Association of Biology Teachers Outstanding Biology Teacher finalist in 2004, as well as a 2009 Intel Science Schools of Distinction Award finalist. She also acts as West Shore’s Senior Project Coordinator, overseeing the yearlong senior assignments. Rick Fleming, West Shore Principal, says, “Ms. Jenkins inspires students and fellow employees alike and her genuine enthusiasm for her work is truly contagious. She is truly fantastic!”

Raul Montes – Cocoa High School

Raul Montes has been teaching Science at Cocoa High for 31 years. He serves as the Science Department Chairperson and is the Science Coach for Cocoa High. Montes is also the school’s swim coach, boys tennis coach and National Honor Society sponsor. He is a member of the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair Scientist Review Committee as well as a Florida Foundation of Future Scientist board member. In 2006, Montes was one of the first inductees into the Brevard Public Schools Science Teacher Hall of Fame. He also received the BPS Exemplary Science Award in 2001 and 2005. Dr. Stephanie Soliven, Principal at Cocoa High, feels that “Mr. Montes is truly the spokesperson of Cocoa High. He is a dedicated professional and is considered a legend in our community.”

Mary Morton – Meadowlane Intermediate School

Mary Morton is currently a fifth grade teacher at Meadowlane Intermediate School and has been teaching for 13 years. She was also nominated Teacher of the Year at Central Middle School in 2004. Morton serves on the school’s Reading Leadership Team and is the chairperson of the Young Authors/Quality Literature Day committee and is actively involved in the community. According to Kerri Nash, Meadowlane Intermediate Principal, “Ms. Morton builds strong relationships and provides an environment where students feel safe to learn and be themselves. It is amazing to see the students’ growth as they progress in her care.”

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Redistricting Update

On January 19, The Brevard County School Board approved attendance boundary changes for the South Area middle and elementary schools. On February 9, the Board will hold a public hearing on the Central Area schools. To view the voted upon changes for the South Area and the proposed changes for the Central Area, please visit the district's website at http://www.brevard.k12.fl.us/fp-includes/communityforum/Attendance_Boundary.html.

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Thank You PBPD

Palm Bay Elementary would like to thank PBPD officers who helped them celebrate National Literacy Week by reading to the students.

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Brevard Public Schools 2009 History/Geography Bee Winners

	4^th Grade	5^th Grade	6^th Grade
First Place	Ethan Hart	Matthew Johnson	Austin Strenecky
School	Ralph Williams Jr. Elementary	Suntree Elementary	Ralph Williams Jr. Elementary
Second Place	Kyra Norton	Jackson Johns	Omkar Kulkarni
School	Roy Allen Elementary	Mims Elementary	Meadowlane Intermediate
Third Place	William Howald	Sydney Bailey	J. Blake Mordas
School	Suntree Elementary	Mila Elementary	Suntree Elementary

Brevard Public Schools and charter schools select student winners from grades 4, 5 and 6 to represent their school at the district level History/Geography Bee. Students compete against other students that represent their grade level. 62 schools participated, with 3 grade-level representatives per school.

The Bee consists of six rounds: Florida History, Florida Geography, U.S. History, U.S. Geography, North American History and North American Geography. All questions are aligned to the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Social Studies. During each round students use electronic devices to record their answers for 10 questions related to the topic for that round. All students meeting the round criteria of correct answers proceed to the next round. Students remaining after the six rounds compete in a single elimination round to determine the winner.

4^th Grade

Ethan Hart won first place by meeting the criteria of 8/10 questions during the fourth round. The other contestants (7) did not meet criteria and there was a play off for second and third place between William Howald, Kyra Norton, and Kelli Lynch of Sherwood, all of whom achieved 7/10 correct answers in the fourth round.

5^th Grade

Jackson Johns and Matthew Johnson had a play off for first place with single elimination questions. Matthew won by answering the following question:

Which U.S. colony was established to be a place where debtors could start new lives?

6^th Grade

Austin Strenecky and Omkar Kulkarni had a play off for first place with single elimination questions. Austin won by answering the following question:

Name the Florida Native American tribe that lived in the Biscayne Bay region.

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Florida Applies for Race to the Top Grant

On Jan. 19, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist submitted Florida’s application for federal Race to the Top funding on behalf of State Board of Education Chairman T. Willard Fair and Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith and certified by Attorney General Bill McCollum. Sixty school districts, three lab schools and the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, as well as five local teacher union presidents signed official Memorandums of Understanding pledging their commitment to the reform initiatives outlined in Florida’s application request for $1.14 billion.

If Florida is successful in obtaining a grant award, half of the total award will be distributed to participating school districts according to a federal funding formula to implement locally-developed comprehensive education reform plans focused on accelerating student learning and improving the quality of education their schools provide. The remaining funds will support state-level projects benefiting all school districts statewide. Award notifications are expected to be announced in April, 2010.

To view a copy of Florida’s Race to the Top application, visit http://www.fldoe.org/arra/racetothetop.asp.

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What’s On

Two new shows have aired on BPS-TV. The shows will be airing three days per week throughout the month of February. The show titles and times are below:

BPS Outstanding School Libraries: Mondays at 5 pm, Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, and Saturdays at 2:30 pm

Brevard Public Schools Employee of the Year for 2010: Mondays at 5:30 pm, Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, and Saturdays at 6:00 pm

You can see BPS-TV on Channel 198 on Bright House Cable.

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