Department Honors Homeless Education Award Recipients
The Florida Department of Education Homeless Education Program would like to congratulate the individuals and school districts for their outstanding service to children and youth experiencing homelessness during the 2007-2008 school year. The Florida Homeless Education Awards were presented at a special ceremony during the Florida Migrant and Homeless Education State Conference in Naples, Fla. Following are the award winners:

Outstanding Florida Homeless Education Program Award
Broward County Public Schools
Dianne Sepielli, Senior Project Coordinator, Homeless and Character Education Programs

Outstanding Florida Homeless Education Liaison Award
Kathy Wiggins, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Outstanding Florida Homeless Education Support Services Personnel Award
Barbara Barry, Orange County Public Schools

Outstanding Florida Transportation and Homeless Education Programs Collaboration Award
School District of Palm Beach County
Ann Faraone, Homeless Education Liaison
Yevole Falana, Transportation Director
Charlotte Aiken, Special Projects Coordinator

Outstanding Florida Homeless and Migrant Education Programs Collaboration Award
District School Board of Collier County
Karen Morgan, Local Education Liaison
Earl Wiggins, Migrant Coordinator

Outstanding Florida Homeless Education Media Presentation Award
Kayla O'Brien, 11th Grade Student, Hollywood Hills High School
Broward County Public Schools

Florida Science Finalists for the K-6 2008 Presidential Award For Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Announced
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. This year, three Florida teachers have been recognized as finalists for the award: Michelle Ferro from West Melbourne Elementary School for Science in Brevard County, Jeanne Neff from Arbor Ridge School in Orange County and Wendy Shelden from Ralph M. Williams Elementary School in Brevard County. For the full story, visit http://www.fldoe.org/SuccessStories/2008/11-10-2.asp.

Hillsborough County Student Selected As State Wendy's High School Heisman Award Winner
The Wendy’s High School Heisman Award was introduced in 1994, and recognizes student scholar athletes and their accomplishments. This year, Lauren Verbosky from East Bay High School in Hillsborough County was selected as a state winner. The Wendy’s High School Heisman National Award winner will be selected from among the state winners. For more on the story, visit http://www.fldoe.org/SuccessStories/2008/11-12.asp.

Middle School Teacher Wins Distinguished Educator Award
Jane Feber, language arts teacher at Mandarin Middle School in Jacksonville, received the National Middle School Association's (NMSA) Distinguished Educator Award. This award recognizes outstanding practitioners in middle level education, and identifies those who have made a significant impact on the lives of young adolescents through leadership, vision, and advocacy. Jane received the award at the annual NMSA conference in Denver, Colorado.

History Teacher Honored With Warren Tracy Beginning Teacher Award
Matt Susin, history teacher at Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School in Brevard County received The Warren Tracy Beginning Teacher Award at the recent Florida Council for Social Studies (FCSS) state conference. This award recognizes and celebrates the enthusiasm beginning teachers bring to the social studies profession. Educators who have taught for three years or less may be nominated for this award.
The state awards committee recognized Susin’s innovative teaching, hands-on student activities, leadership at his school and community involvement.

Branching Out

2009 Effective Strategies Institute & Florida Summit
Jan. 12-16, 2009
Belleview Biltmore Hotel & Spa
Clearwater, Fla.

The 2009 Effective Strategies Institute & Florida Summit will be held Jan. 12-16, 2009, at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel & Spa in Clearwater, Fla. The Summit will bring governmental leaders, business leaders, child advocates, school administrators, community-based and faith-based organizations, students and parents together to develop workable solutions and action plans for improving Florida’s graduation rate. The event is sponsored by the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network (NDPC), the Florida Department of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers of Florida, the University of Florida, America’s Promise Alliance, and State Farm Insurance.

To register and submit proposals for presentation, visit the National Dropout Prevention Center Web site at http://www.dropoutprevention.org/ndpcdefault.htm.