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Seeds of Success:
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| Four Students Recognized for U.S. Senate Youth Program |
| Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Superintendents of the Year |
| Lake Gibson High's Gilchrest Earns Principal Award |
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| Branching Out: |
| Florida 21st Century Community Learning Centers - 2008 Spring Conference |
| Heart of Florida Math and Science Conference |
| League of Environmental Educators in Florida Annual Conference |
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February 1, 2008 |
Vol. 2, Issue 3 |
News Slices
Chancellor Holcombe Appointed as Community Colleges Chancellor
Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith recently announced Dr. Will Holcombe as Florida's Community Colleges Chancellor, following more than 30 years of experience in educational leadership and collegiate administration. Holcombe served as Interim Chancellor of the Florida Department of Education's Division of Community Colleges since October 2007.
For nearly two decades, Holcombe lead Broward Community College as President. He has also served as Vice President of Brevard Community College, provost and academic dean for Broward Community College's Central Campus, assistant to the President for Broward Community College and an English professor at both Santa Fe Community College and Broward Community College. For more information, visit http://www.fldoe.org/news/2008/2008_01_24.asp
Final Public Hearing on Proposed Science Standards Approaching
Commissioner Eric J. Smith will hold the final public hearing on the Student Performance Science Standards on Feb. 11, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Orlando Hyatt in the Orlando International Airport. The hearing will include a short presentation on the process used to develop the finalized proposed standards, followed by the opportunity for public input. Commissioner Smith encourages those with concerns related to the science standards to attend and voice their thoughts.
For additional information relating to this hearing, please contact Lynn Abbott at (850) 245-9661 or Lynn.Abbot@fldoe.org.
Black History Month Essay and Excellence in Education Award Contest Approaching Deadline
The Black History Month essay contest and Excellence in Education Award deadlines are rapidly approaching. The essay contest is open to all kindergarten through 12th grade students, with one winner selected from each of the three grade-level categories; elementary (grades K-5), middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Essays should answer the question: "How have the contributions of African-American scientists or inventors impacted your life?"
Winners will receive a computer and a full, four-year tuition scholarship to a Florida public college or university of their choice provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
The annual Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all African-American, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. The winners from the three grade-level categories will receive a check for $1,500 and a $500 gift card for classroom supplies.
For more information on both the student essay and educator award contests, visit http://www.floridablackhistory.com/essay.cfm.
Black History Month Recommended Reading List Now Available
Just Read, Florida! recently released their recommended reading list in celebration of Florida's Black History Month, highlighting African-American literature.
The reading list provides an excellent source of suggested books for children of all ages. Just Read, Florida! makes reading a priority in Florida's public schools and among the community groups and volunteer organizations that support them. To view the recommended reading list, visit http://www.justreadflorida.org/BHM.asp.
Discount Drug Card Enrollment Continues to Rise
Governor Charlie Crist recently announced that 20,624 Floridians have signed up for the Florida Discount Drug Card since its launch on December 20, 2007. Members have filled more than 3,000 prescriptions and saved more than $58,000 on their prescription-drug costs.
Individuals qualify for the card if they are age 60 and older and do not have prescription drug coverage or if they are in the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage gap. Individuals and families under age 60 may be eligible if they have an annual income of less than 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and do not have prescription drug coverage. To apply for the Florida Discount Drug Card and for more information, visit http://www.floridadiscountdrugcard.com/ and complete an online application or enroll over the phone by calling 1-866-341-8894 or TTY 1-866-763-9630.
2008-2010 State Touring Program Roster Released
The Division of Cultural Affairs announced the release of the 2008-2010 State Touring Program "Arts on Tour" roster. The new roster includes twenty-five of the state's finest performers in dance, music, theatre, and storytelling. All Florida non-profit organizations and any units of city, state, or state government, including school boards, are eligible to participate.
Complete roster and application materials for the State Touring Program are available on the Division of Cultural Affair's Web site, www.florida-arts.org/roster.
Seminole Community College Expands
Governor Charlie Crist joined Seminole Community College (SCC) President Dr. E. Ann McGee recently at a ribbon cutting ceremony officially dedicating the college's new $33 million Altamonte Springs Campus. The campus houses all of the college's expanded health programs, including nursing, enabling SCC to address the critical nursing shortage by more than doubling the size of its nursing program and greatly enhancing other health programs.
The campus has nine general-purpose classrooms, three computer classrooms, and 16 multi-purpose health laboratories with specialized student stations. All of the classrooms have data ports at each desk, and the entire campus has wireless access. For more information, visit http://www.seminolestate.edu/crm/article.php.
Seeds of Success
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The selection was based on elected positions served on campus, volunteer work, awards, grade point average, a test on federal and state government, and interviews with staff from the Senators' offices, the Florida Department of Education, and the Florida Law Related Education Association, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.fldoe.org/SuccessStories/2007/12-14.asp. Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Superintendents of the Year This is the first year that the CFEF has given this award. Joyner won in the 50,000 students and under category, while Elia won in the over 50,000-student category. The CFEF focuses its efforts on statewide and regional issues affecting foundations and also promotes best practices connecting school districts with their education foundations. For more information, visit http://www.fldoe.org/SuccessStories/2007/12-13.asp. Lake Gibson High's Gilchrest Earns Principal Award The award recognizes principals demonstrating support in the development of exemplary school library media programs. Mr. Gilchrest was honored for his support in integrating LGHS's school library programs, resources and technologies into the total educational process. The award also recognizes Mr. Gilchrest for his implementation of research-based library media programs. For more information, visit http://www.fldoe.org/SuccessStories/2007/12-11.asp. |
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Branching Out Florida 21st Century Community Learning Centers - 2008 Spring Conference March 25-28, 2008 Daytona Beach The western-themed 2008 Spring Conference is open to anyone wishing to develop, enhance, or research outstanding after-school programs for students between kindergarten and 12th grade. All educators, school administrators, community-based organizations, and other interested individuals from around the world are welcome to participate. Attendees will experience Florida's after-school programs through seminars, workshops and videos prepared and presented by educators from across the state; navigate the complexities of financial policies and fiscal management; enhance abilities in data collection and evaluation; learn the art of writing external grants for after-school funding and simplify the task of writing continuation applications for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grants. In addition, specialized sessions have been developed to guide CCLC providers and stakeholders through some of the unique challenges associated with operating CCLC programs. Go to http://www.fldoe.org/curriculum/21century/21events.asp to learn more or register today. |
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Heart of Florida Math and Science Conference The Alachua County Teachers of Mathematics will be hosting the Heart of Florida Math and Science Conference at Kanapaha Middle School in Gainesville on Mar. 1, 2008. This one-day mini-conference for all K-12 teachers will begin with registration from 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will run until 3:00 p.m. A continental breakfast and lunch will be included in the $35 registration fee. Please visit www.sbac.edu/~actm for registration and conference information. |
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League of Environmental Educators in Florida Annual Conference Join park naturalists, outdoor educators and K-12 teachers at the 28th League of Environmental Educators in Florida Annual Conference, held at Camp Crystal Lake in North Central Florida. Various speakers and breakout
sessions will provide attendees with a greater understanding of environmental education. Please visit
www.leef-florida.org/net/content/default.aspx?s=0.0.110.37432
for registration and conference information.
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For more information on this electronic newsletter, please e-mail thecore@fldoe.org.