South Florida Schools | Sun Sentinel blogs

We're moving!

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:39:08 GMT

Check out our new and improved Education Blog. Staff writer Karen Yi and I will be using the new blog to update you on K-12 and higher education matters.

Check us out here:
Our new address is http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/schools-blog/.

See you there!

UPDATED: Broward School Board shakeup affects three administrators

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 19:05:04 GMT

Get ready for a big shakeup in the Broward Schools administration.

The School Board agenda tomorrow includes the recommended firing of facilities chief Tom Lindner, the resignation of Joanne Harrison, deputy superintendent for educational programs; and the recommended transfer of Gracie Diaz, deputy superintendent for human resources.

Lindner was the subject of a heated School Board workshop Nov. 26, in which the facilities department updated the board on the progress made since an external auditor made 43 recommendations for how to improve construction contracts. Little progress had been made since the June audit, and Lindner wasn't at the meeting. One of his staff members said he was feeling "a little bit under the weather." Sources say Runcie asked Lindner to resign, and he declined, so the School Board member will have to decide whether to fire him.

The other two personnel moves are expected to be less controversial. Harrison is one of those administrators who has retired and come back, collecting retirement benefits and a salary of $135,000 from the district. Board members criticized that practice at last week's workshop as well, but whether that was a major factor is unclear.

Diaz's new title will be director of Teacher Incentive Fund, where she will deal with federal grants. Diaz said Monday that she requested the move, and this isn't some effort by Runcie to move her out of her current job.

“I'll be working more closely with princpals and schools, and it's an exciting venture," she said.

All three employees predate Runcie, so the moves may give him a chance to continue building his own team, which started with the hiring of several of his colleagues from Chicago Public Schools, where he used to work. Stay tuned for who he chooses as replacements.

Broward schools chief reads to students

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 23:46:44 GMT

Watch reporter Karen Yi's video of Superintendent Robert Runcie reading to students for Jumpstart's Read for the Record campaign.

What books do your kids like to read?

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-20000-students-in-broward-read-for-the-record-20121004,0,7202705.story

Broward school bus service still a problem?

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:56:55 GMT

Broward County schools have been in session for seven weeks now, so the school bus nightmare should be over by now, right?

Unfortunately, no, according to some parents. While there doesn’t seem to be the massive amount of problems affecting thousands of problems that plagued the district in the first few weeks of school, we’re still getting reports every week from parents about some situations.

On Friday, we received a report of a driver disregarding the bus schedule and driving off while children our trying to get the door. The reader said she’s contacted the school district, which hasn’t fixed the problem.

Is anyone else still having problems with buses? Let us know.

Blog: Broward addresses school transportation issues

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:33:46 GMT

This from education reporter Karen Yi who has been at the Broward School Board meeting.

10:00 a.m. EDT, September 19, 2012

The Broward School Board meeting is underway. Here's what they're talking about now.

Check SunSentinel.com for continuous updates.

11:10 a.m.: The board will not vote on a plan for a new GPS system for school buses Wednesday after the item was pulled from the agenda. School officials say the plan that would allow the Broward school transportation department, and eventually parents, to track school buses does not make sense in the long term or short term right now.

They will continue working on a plan for the district.

"I'd rather have a right decision take longer," said board member Katherine Leach.

"Cost is going to play a major factor in this decision," Jeffrey Moquin, chief of staff for the district, said.

The district’s lack of GPS technology was cited as one of the many factors that contributed to disastrous bus service - and customer service - during the first few weeks of the school year.

11:05 a.m.: Schools officials agree the bus fleet is old. Jeffrey Moquin, chief of staff for the district said, "We know we dont have the money to buy new buses," but he added there may be opportunities to work creatively to to replace some of the buses.

11 a.m.: School officials expect to lose bus drivers once the county hosts an open house for transportation employees. They say the county pays its drivers more money.

10:50 a.m.: Board member Robin Bartleman is advocating for more communication between the district and parents regarding busing issues. "This is a burden for our parents," she said. "This is our problem, this is something we have to solve and we should do everything in our power to make the lives of the parents and students easier."

10:40 a.m.: The district has hired 54 new drivers since the start of school, they say. Jeffrey Moquin, chief of staff for the district, says they have a one to one correspondence now between routes and drivers.

10:35 a.m.: School officials are giving an update on ongoing transportation issues in the district. Jeffrey Moquin, chief of staff for the district, says on paper, they've addressed the bus driver shortage in the district. However, they anticipate losing drivers and are actively recruiting.

kyi@tribune.com or 954-572-2080, Twitter: @karen_yi

Want to track your child's bus through GPS? Keep waiting.

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:25:58 GMT

A plan to buy a new GPS system that would allow the Broward school transportation department, and eventually parents, to track school buses will likely be delayed a few weeks.

District officials said earlier this month a proposal would be on the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting. Maurice Woods, the district’s chief strategy and operations officer, said district officials have identified a potential vendor but they want to study the plan a little longer.
“As a district, we always make decisions hastily and then they come back to bite us for lack of better words,” Woods said. “There are a couple of things I wanted to evaluate before we jump on this.”
One is making sure that the software communicates with district’s existing mapping software and that the district can use its current cellular provider to transmit data.

The district’s lack of GPS technology was cited as one of the many factors that contributed to disastrous bus service- and customer service - during the first few weeks of the school year. Not only did parents not know where their children’s buses were, transportation officials didn’t know either and couldn’t give any answers when they received angry calls.

Superintendent Robert Runcie said last month that GPS devices were installed on about half the fleet several years ago “but it was never fully implemented and never turned on” for an unknown reason. He said the GPS devices can provide information on where buses are, when they’re scheduled to arrive and fuel usage.

But don’t be surprised if you have a wait a while to use this nifty technology. At an Aug. 24 press conference, Runcie said an online system he referred to as “dashboard metrics” would be up in a few days, giving daily updates on how many children were being impacted by the bus problems and what the on-time delivery of buses were. It’s been 25 days now, and it’s still not up, and it’s not going up soon, Woods said.

Live blogging from Palm Beach School Board

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:40:54 GMT

Education reporter Karen Yi is at the Palm Beach County School Board, where board members are discussing legislative priorities and other matters.

Check out her blog here.

UF, FSU improve in the U.S. News rankings

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:04:04 GMT

The new U.S. News and World Report college rankings are out, and there’s good news for Florida’s public universities.

Although none made the top 50, the state’s four highest ranked public universities – the University of Florida, Florida State University, the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida -- all climbed this year.

The University of Miami, a private college, made the top 50 for a fourth year in a row, but slid this year from 38th to 44th.

UF, a one-time top 50 school that had fallen in the rankings in recent years, climbed from 58th to 54th.

FSU cracked the top 100 for the first time in recent history, moving from 101 to 97.

USF leapfrogged over UCF to become the state’s fourth highest ranked university, surging from 181 to 170. But the news was still good for UCF, as it improved 177 to 174 and was the only state school to make the magazine’s top 10 “up and coming” schools.

Florida Institute of Technology, a private university in Melbourne, placed 160th on the list. Schools such as Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University are considered second tier schools by the magazine and their rankings are not made public.

UPDATED: Broward schools transportation director to take leave

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:41:00 GMT

Embattled School Transportation Director Chester Tindall will be gone for at least six to eight weeks for medical leave and it's unclear whether he will stay in the job after that.

Tindall spoke briefly to the School Board to apologize for botched bus service that has plagued the district since the school year started Aug. 20.

"Given all the things I’ve done, I’ve neglected a lot of things, family and mainly my health," he said. "I will definitely be out six to eight weeks, and once I return, I will work with the superintendent transitioning to drive change."

What exactly "transitioning" means was unclear. Tindall left abruptly through a side door after he spoke.

Before Tindall spoke Runcie told School Board members and those watching that he has a "solid plan" to fix the problem in the short term, while working on making the transportation department more efficient in the long term.

"We’re going to come out on the other end with one of the best transportation systems in the country," Runcie said. "The community demands nothing less. We have great workers in that district and throughout the district."

Runcie faced sharp criticism from bus drivers and employee unions after he and Tindall made comments last week blaming nepotisim and employee sabotage for some of the problems.

Representatives of two employee unions spoke Wednesday morning, pleading with management to stop what they see as nasty attacks toward bus drivers and transportation members.

About 50 drivers packed the School Board meeting and rose in solidarity when Dan Reynolds, president of the Federation of Public Employees, defended them before the School Board.
Employees were outraged that Superintendent Robert Runcie and Chester Tindall last week blamed employee sabotage and nepotism for problems during the first two weeks of school.

"The very idea that anyone of these drivers would do anything to put children in jeopardy is an insult," he said.

He said the union has a meeting scheduled for Thursday with Maurice Woods, chief strategy and operations officer. He reiterated their desire for Tindall to be replaced.

"Not only has he insulted these people, he's been unfocused on job one, which is transporting the kid," Reynolds said. "He's been a loose cannon spouting wild ideas in the press. He's brought discredit on his boss, Robert Runcie."

Tindall told the Sun Sentinel Tuesday that he has no plans to step down.

"I'm not going to go quietly. I'm going to continue to talk about nepotism and how much money the district has been losing because of overtime and other issues," Tindall said. "I'm not going to stand back and let people vilify my reputation on things that were created before I got here."

Ann Murray said Tuesday she's hoping there will be a resolution to this issue Wednesday, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

You can watch the board meeting live at the district's website

Bus union members protest at School Board meeting

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:42:36 GMT

If two weeks of botched bus service isn't bad enough, many are finding the heated rhetoric between Broward School District management and union representatives equally troublesome.

Representatives of two employee unions spoke Wednesday morning, pleading with management to stop what they see as nasty attacks toward bus drivers and transportation members.

"The very idea that anyone of these drivers would do anything to put children in jeopardy is an insult," he said.

He said the union has a meeting scheduled for Thursday with Maurice Woods, chief strategy and operations officer. He reiterated their desire for Tindall to be replaced.

Runcie hasn't spoken yet on transportation issues, but is expected to give an update later today or Thursday afternoon.

Tindall told the Sun Sentinel Tuesday that he has no plans to step down.

Ann Murray said Tuesday she's hoping there will be a resolution to this issue Wednesday, so it will be interesting to see what happens.

You can watch the board meeting live at the district's website

What are people tweeting about on First Day of School?

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:31:33 GMT

"First day of school. I need a nap already."

"People are already talking about senior skip day, and it's only the first day of school."

"Back to school does not mean parents should forget how to drive."

These are some the things folks in South Florida are saying on Twitter. I compiled some of the more interesting back-to-school comments, along with a few fashions. Check them out here on a Storify collection.

Lynn University receives $6 million gift for business building

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:07:03 GMT

Lynn University is constructing a $12 million International Business Center, and thanks to an anonymous donor, it’s halfway there.

The $6 million donation will be used to build a 32,000-square foot home for Lynn’s College of Business and Management. (Here's a rendering on the right).

Lynn officials say the gift comes from an anonymous alumnus who has issued a challenge to raise an additional $3 million, which the donor would match for the final $3 million needed.

“This gift is a game-changer and provides Lynn with the amazing opportunity to build a world-class structure to house our college of business,” Lynn President Kevin Ross said. “We’ll be celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, and we look forward to working with our friends and supporters during this special time to make this building a reality for future Lynn students and faculty.”

Construction is tentatively scheduled to be completed by April 2014.

Whirlwind first day tour for Palm Beach County schools chief

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:05:12 GMT

The first day of school in Palm Beach County? “Nothing out of the ordinary,” reports Superintendent Wayne Gent.

He should know, after paying visits to 15 schools by 11 a.m., and getting updates from various administrators.

“So far it looks very good,” Gent said while leaving Galaxy Elementary School, temporarily based in Delray Beach at the old Plumosa Elementary campus. He wasn’t aware of any major glitches.

Gent started the morning at Seminole Ridge High in the Acreage, greeting students and teachers in the school’s career academies.

He then drove his district-issued Ford Escape to schools in Loxahatchee, Riviera Beach, West Palm Beach, and Boynton Beach, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a snack at 9 a.m.

For the tour, Gent picked some schools with special circumstances such as new programs or principals, such as Galaxy’s Ed Capitano.

Gent says he plans to travel to schools in the Glades on Tuesday morning.

Keep up with the Sun Sentinel’s Education Team coverage of the first day of school on Facebook and Twitter.

Miami Heat, free supplies, liven up first day at Orange Brook Elementary

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:57:39 GMT

The first day of school got off to a high energy start at Orange Brook Elementary in Hollywood.

It was the place to be, with Miami Heat guard Norris Cole and mascot Burnie on hand to welcome students and give out free school supplies from Office Depot. Superintendent Robert Runcie was also on hand well as most of the local TV stations.

Why all the fuss? Orange Brook is a school with a large number of low-income and minority student, but it’s pulled out an A grade for nine years in a row.

Doug Pennington, a member of the Miami Heat’s halftime Xtreme Team handed out stress balls, glue and other freebies to parents and students in line. Inside the school, a full stock of pencils, crayons, notebooks and other supplies were available for all students.

“Your hard work and dedication has paid off. You’re one of the highest rating schools in South Florida,” Pennington announced through a microphone “It takes hard work and dedication to make a champion, and we want to take care of you.”

With dance music blasting in the background, Pennington tried to get everyone pumped.
“Who’s excited about the first day of school?” he said to cheers. “We know parents are excited. This is your vacation.”

Julie Lamdanski was one of those excited parents as she dropped off her daughter Maya, a second grader, and son, Noah, a fourth grader.

“This is a great school, and I think they’re both going to do great,” she said.
Maya seemed a bit more nervous and sad that summer vacation was over.
“I think this year’s going to be hard,” she said.

Parents and students must have known it would be a special day. Many waited outside for more than hour. Maria Rodriguez and her daughter, Maribel, 7, arrived at 6 a.m., two hours before the school day started.

“We wanted to be sure we weren’t late,” Maria Rodriguez said.

They were first in line when Runcie came outside at 7:20 a.m. to greet parents and students.
“Are you excited?” Runcie asked Maribel, who is beginning her second year.

When Maribel didn’t respond, the mother said, “She’s half asleep.”

Runcie seemed wide eyed and energetic, even though he started the day a 5:30 a.m. visiting a school bus compound.

“This is what we live for<’ she said. “This is what we’re all about, providing students with a world class education.”

Bell rings on first day of school in Broward, Palm Beach counties

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:30:11 GMT

The moment is finally here - the first day of public school in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

If you forgot, unlikely, the hundreds of yellow school buses clogging the roadways will be a good reminder that summer is over for more than 425,000 students.

Some of the routines and people will be familiar, like it was in early June. But numerous schools have new leaders, new teachers and in some cases, a few new or temporary campuses.

To welcome parents and students and help the transition, Broward County schools launched a “Back to School Toolkit” on its website, browardschools.com. It's a look at what’s new and changes to expect, along with parent information, student information, and important contacts, resources and tips. It even features a "problem-solving flow chart" assuming something goes wrong.

Not to be outdone, Palm Beach County schools just published on its website a list of all of the changes that people can expect today. It's at this link

There are no new schools opening today. That's a result of relatively flat enrollment figures in recent years and a depleted construction budget. But there are a few elementary replacement school projects in the works:

In Boynton Beach, for example, the new Galaxy Elementary modernization project on the same property is scheduled to open for student occupancy in August 2013. Students and staff are presently at the old Plumosa Elementary campus in Delray Beach until the new school is completed.

Good luck out there and let us know what you see out there for the first day of school 2012!

Broward teacher job fair registration ends today

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:18:27 GMT

Out of work public school teachers may still have a shot at employment in Broward schools.

The district is still accepting registrations through today for a job fair planned for Aug. 6, says spokeswoman Tracy Clark.

This event is for candidates certified or eligible for certification in the following subject areas: Elementary Education, English, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Pre-K Disability Endorsements, ESE/Elementary (dual-certified), ESE/Reading (dual-certified), Math, Reading, Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Middle Grades Science), and Speech Language Pathologist.

Click here for a link to the registration form. You can also check out the district's website browardschools.com/teacher for more information.

The school year starts for students on Aug. 20.

Palm Beach County virtual education program wants students

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:07:18 GMT

Palm Beach Virtual School, a K-12 public school, needs students. Administrators invite families to come out to a "round-up" event to register for full-time virtual education for the 2012-2013 school year.

The event will be held July 19 at The Safe Schools Institute next to Don Estridge High Tech Middle School, 1790 N.W. Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton. Stop by between noon and 3 p.m.

Students who are new to Florida or have been home schooled or have attended private school are eligible to apply. Prior public school attendance is not required.

Check out PalmBeachVirtual.org or call 561-881-4760 for more information.

Florida education commissioner writes parents about school grades

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:44:01 GMT

Here's a guest entry from Leslie Postal of the Orlando Sentinel:

We don’t know when Florida’s first batch of A-to-F school grades will be released – it will likely be soon, however –but Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson doesn’t want parents to be alarmed, if their children’s schools post lower marks this years.

As we’ve reported before, school grades are expected to fall this year, thanks to a series of changes made to the grading formula. But they won’t be as bad as feared initially, at least this year, because of a one-year rule that says no school can fall more than one letter grade from 2011 to 2012.

Robinson explains the changes in a letter to parents you can find on the Florida Department of Education’s website (stay on home page and scroll down) or read here: schoolgradechanges

Robinson notes in the letter that grades have fallen after other formula changes — and then in following years they rose.

In 2007, for example, he wrote, the number of A and B schools “fell from about 2,000 to 1,952, but, in the two years that followed, A and B schools rose to 2,317.”

He added, “Each time Florida’s school grading system has increased expectations, student performance has improved over time, which is the primary goal of Florida’s accountability system.”

Florida praises high schools in Newsweek rankings

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:59:08 GMT

Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson today heaped praise on the 69 state high schools that were recently honored in Newsweek magazine's survey called "America's Best High Schools 2012."

Nineteen high schools in Palm Beach and Broward counties appear in the rankings of 1,000 leading public high schools. According to the magazine, the list is based on the schools that have "proven to be the most effective in turning out college-ready grads."

This "national report card' includes 10 Florida high schools among the top 100 public high schools in the U.S., and two Florida schools are in the top 10.

“This is an incredible honor and I congratulate Florida’s students, teachers, principals, superintendents and school boards for this great achievement,” Robinson said in a statement. “Florida’s public education system is one of the best in the nation, and this report card bears that out.”

The rankings are determined by six criteria, including 25 percent based on graduation rates and 25 percent on how many graduates went to college, plus how many students took college-level exams, such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests.

Suncoast High in Riviera Beach appears at No. 9. Other local schools in the top 500 include: Dreyfoos School of the Arts at No. 37; Boca Raton High at 200; Cypress Bay in Weston at 237; Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland at 275; Pompano Beach at 342; and Spanish River High at 362.

15 percent tuition hike approved at FAU; denied at other schools

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:45:40 GMT

In a surprise move, a state board has approved a 15 percent tuition increase for Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University, after denying the same request at some other schools.

The Board of Governors initially split 8 to 8 on FAU's requests, which would have meant a defeat. But board member Norman Tripp, a former member of the FAU Board of Trustees changed his vote. FIU's request was approved 10 to 6.

The board has approved the University of Florida's request for a 9 percent increase, the University of South Florida's 11 percent increase request and New College of Florida's 15 percent increase. UCF was initially denied a 15 percent tuition increase, but was granted it after a revote at the end of the meeting.

The board voted for a 13 percent request for Florida State University, 12 percent increase for Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida A&M University and the University of North Florida and 14 percent for the University of West Florida, all lower than what they requested. Schools have five days to appeal if they were unhappy with the board's decision.

Tuition and required fees at Florida unviersities range from $5,400 to $5,800 this year. Many board members said a 15 percent increase, which is about $500 to $700 per student, is too difficult for many families during tough economic times. Florida Gov. Rick Scott has also opposed the big increases.

"People are getting laid off and may be going back to school," Board member Matt Carter said. "Now is not the time. This is not the year."

Others said the full increases were needed to ensure the unviersities maintained quality, after facing $300 million in state budget cuts.

For the first time in recent years, the Legislature voted not to increase tuition at all this year and left the responsibility to the universities and the Board of Governors, which oversees the state system. State law allows tuition to increase by up to 15 percent a year. All 11 state universities sought the full 15 percent from 2009 to 2011, but this year, three made smaller requests. In addition to the requests from UF and USF, Florida Gulf Coast University asked for a 14 percent increase.

Gov. Rick Scott has been fighting 15 percent tuition increases, saying they're a burden on Florida families.

Dennis Crudele, vice president for finance at FAU, said last week the state Legislature gave universities their funding based on the assumption that each would seek the full 15 percent increase. FAU received a nearly $25 million cut in state funds this year and is already planning to close the Fort Lauderdale and Port St. Lucie campuses and lay off affected employees.

Free kids event: Pembroke Pines film festival

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:10:38 GMT

Attention parents of antsy children!

Pembroke Pines' totally free 2012 Children's Summer Film Festival kicks off this weekend.

For the next 10 Saturdays at 10 a.m., the city's Parks and Recreation Department will show a recent kids flicks in the Susan B. Katz Theater, located in the River of Grass ArtsPark.

The films are free and open to the public, including grown-ups and residents of other cities. The only rule is that you can't take food or drinks inside the theater.

Here's the festival schedule...

* June 16: Hop (PG, 95 min.)
* June 23: Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG, 91 min.)
* June 30: We Bought a Zoo (PG, 124 min.)
* July 7: Tangled (PG, 100 min.)
* July 14: Rio (G, 96 min.)
* July 21: Cars 2 (G, 106 min.)
* July 28: Toy Story 3 (G, 103 min.)
* Aug. 4: Mr. Popper's Penguins (PG, 94 min.)
* Aug. 11: Gnomeo & Juliet (G, 84 min.)
* Aug. 18: Puss in Boots (PG, 90 min.)

And here's the theater, located off the northeast corner of Sheridan Street and 172 Avenue...

View Larger Map

Broward SIG schools to have longer school day

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:24:42 GMT

For some Broward students, the school day will last 30 minutes longer this coming school year.

One high school and eight elementary schools lengthened the day to allow for “increased learning time” as required by a federal grant program, said district spokesperson Tracy Clark. In other words, students will spend an extra 30 minutes in the classroom.

The nine affected schools are among the state’s persistently lowest-achieving. They received additional funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s three-year Schools Improvement Grants (“SIG”) program. Florida received $170 million of the $3.5 billion in SIG funds distributed in 2010.

Broward’s nine SIG schools are:
* Coconut Creek High
* Dillard Elementary (Fort Lauderdale)
* Imagine Charter Elementary @ North Lauderdale
* Larkdale Elementary (Lauderhill)
* Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary (Lauderhill)
* North Fork Elementary (Fort Lauderdale)
* North Lauderdale Elementary
* Sunland Park Elementary (Fort Lauderdale)
* Walker Elementary (Fort Lauderdale)

To learn more about Broward’s SIG schools, visit broward.k12.fl.us/strategic-achievement.

Broward SIG schools to have longer school day

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:24:42 GMT

For some Broward students, the school day will last 30 minutes longer this coming school year.

Broward’s nine SIG schools are:

Coconut Creek High

Dillard Elementary (Fort Lauderdale)

Imagine Charter Elementary @ North Lauderdale

Larkdale Elementary (Lauderhill)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary (Lauderhill)

North Fork Elementary (Fort Lauderdale)

North Lauderdale Elementary

Sunland Park Elementary (Fort Lauderdale)

Walker Elementary (Fort Lauderdale)

To learn more about Broward’s SIG schools, visit broward.k12.fl.us/strategic-achievement.

Broward military academy accepting applications

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:55:47 GMT

By Karla Bowsher

The Broward school district is now accepting applications for South Florida’s first public military academy.

School starts in August for the academy's first class of freshmen -- but teenagers with academic or behavioral problems need not apply.
The co-ed Hollywood Hills High School Military Academy is designed to be an intensive prep school that will prepare students for the rigors of life after high school, whether they go on to West Point or a local university.

Freshmen will take courses like algebra, physics, and AP human geography, said Col. Jim Armstrong, Broward's JROTC curriculum specialist.
Superintendent Robert Runcie advocated for the academy based on the size and success of the county’s Junior ROTC program. With about 6,500 participants, Broward’s program is one of the country’s largest. It also boasts a 98 percent graduation rate, Runcie said.
“It’s my expectation that this military school will have one of the best graduation rates,” he said.
Besides academics, the program emphasizes leadership development. Classes will be taught by army instructors, who also teach JROTC leadership classes.

The academy operates as a magnet program, so applicants must be interviewed and meet certain requirements, like a 2.0 GPA and an FCAT score of at least 3 on the reading and math portions.

The school is open to all Broward students entering 9th grade, but transportation will be provided only for students who live south of Sunrise Blvd.

The academy will continue to accept applications until it has 400 students. As of this week, Armstrong said the program had received more than 200 applications and interviews were underway.

To learn more about the academy, visit browardschoolsinnovativeprograms.com/military-academy. Current Broward students can also apply online (click on "Military Academy Application" on the right).

School district employees to party hard

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 21:58:41 GMT

If you run into a teacher who seems extra tipsy Friday night, or particularly hung over Saturday morning, you’ll know they’ve been partying at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

The Broward Education Foundation, which raises money for the school district, is holding its annual end-of-the year summer kickoff celebration for district employees. It starts with a pre-party at 5 p.m. and ends with a 9 p.m. after-party. And if a press release about the event is any indication, the booze will be free flowing.

You can stop by Bluepoint Ocean Grill for a free Yuengling Beer “Kill the Keg” Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Then stop by Bongos Cuban Café for a free mojito. Budweiser and Famosa tents are each offering one free beer. You can get a free draft beer at Renegade Barbecue, a free sake at TATU, a free well drink at Wet Willie’s and a free Three Olives vodka drink at Pangaea. And that doesn’t include all other venues offering two-for-one and discounted drinks throughout the event.

Wow, I feel buzzed just writing all that.

There’s just as much free food as there is booze, and of course you can satisfy your gambling fix as well.. School district employees get free admission, while their guests have to pay $10.

It should be noted the school district isn’t paying for this rather gluttonous affair. It’s being underwritten by BrightStar Credit Union. Let’s just hope there will be plenty of designated drivers attending as well.