June 2006 - The Parklander Magazine

Marlins Visit Forrest Glenn SchoolStudents prepareda pop quiz for theMarlin membersPhotos & Text: Jim DonnellyTeachers throughout South Florida have been trying to find a wayto hold their students’ interest when teaching them from lessonplans pertinent to the FCAT. The Florida Marlins have been lookingfor ways to connect with their younger fans. Their Cornerstone forKids program encompasses arts education in baseball. Add to thatthe volume of requests the Marlins get every year for player visitsand autograph sessions and it’s easy to see how the Marlins@Schoolprogram was born.The fourth annual online curriculum enhancement program isa fun way for students to learn how language arts, math, scienceand physical education come into play in the game of baseball.When teachers sign up for the program online atwww.FloridaMarlins.com, they are eligible to win a visit fromMarlins players, coaches and team broadcasting personalities.In May, over 30 classrooms throughout South Florida won visits.Forrest Glenn Middle School teacher Michael Powell grew upa die-hard Cubs fan in Chicago. Baseball was a big part of hislife and he used that love of the game to connect with hisstudents. His class was rewarded for the hard work they didwith a visit from former Chicago Cub and New York Yankeeand now manager of the Florida Marlins, Joe Girardi, his longtime friend and coach, Gary Tuck, pitcher Brian Moehlerand FSN Broadcaster Rich Waltz.The visitors took a pop quiz that showed themthe lessons the students had been workingon, and the students asked questionsand then had an autographand photo session with theirhonored guests.It was a day Mr. Powell’sclass will never forget.You can bet on that!Students receivedautographs andphotosFlorida Marlin’s ManagerJoe Girardi, Coach Gary Tuck,Pitcher Brian Moehler andFSN Broadcaser Rich Waltzvisited with the Forrest GlennMiddle School students.102the PARKLANDER