Space Coast Parent - November 2017

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LOOKING AHEAD AT BPS SUPERINTENDENT DESMOND BLACKBURN Every time I walk into a classroom in Brevard County, I am proud. There are phenomenal educators in our schools doing amazing work with our babies. The district itself is a hidden gem, a place I’ve come to appreciate. I am proud of the work we do and it’s because of our loyal educators, community leaders, legislators, parents and students. I wanted to share with you some changes taking place this school year that will continue to help us achieve success and maintain our status as one of the top school districts in the state. New Discipline Plan: All schools this year are applying a new discipline plan. It was carefully researched and designed to make sure that school leaders administer discipline consistently and fairly across the district for misbehavior, regardless of the student’s background. It is not a relaxing of standards. Nor is it a zero-tolerance policy. Instead, it gives principals a range of clearly defined options for nearly every situation. No school discipline plan can take the place of the discipline and social and moral guidance that should be provided by students’ families and community organizations such as churches. Early Literacy Improving: The percentage of Brevard students who earned satisfactory scores on the English language arts portion of the Florida Standards Assessment improved at all grade levels last year, especially in grades 3-5. In the early grades – where reading proficiency is considered key to future academic success – passing rates increased by four percentage points, from 57 percent to 61 percent. While we are leaders in the state, the parent in me, the educator in me can’t rest until we put a big dent in the number of students who are not proficient. A student’s ability to read and be able to retain will give and give for life. Without a love and passion for reading at an early age, it becomes a wound that we are unable to patch. We need to double down and start that passion for reading early. Math Improving: Algebra is a gateway course to life. In Florida, all students must pass Algebra 1 to graduate high school. We want to get as many students as possible to algebra No school discipline plan can take the place of the discipline and social and moral guidance that should be provided by students’ families and community organizations. before the even enter high school. The bar is set high, but that’s because we’re Brevard County. We put people into space, the bar should be set high here. The intermediate grades in elementary really have to embrace this. That way, when students reach middle school, they’re off to the races. Algebra is everywhere. It’s part of everyday life. Ninety-five percent of college students who can’t pass algebra don’t get a college degree. We want to make sure our students are more than prepared. Security Accelerated: In 2014 voters approved a sales tax that allowed funding for capital repairs. This money is being used to create a single-point of access at all schools as well as remote-locking doors and a video camera. Originally the plan was to take 3 – 5 years. We decided we wanted to do all the schools asap. You may have seen some construction going on at your school. The county-wide project will be completed by spring break 2018. If you have any questions about the process, a five-minute conversation with your principal will answer all your Superintendent Desmond Blackburn shakes hands with a kindergartner at Riviera Elementary in Palm Bay. CAROLINE GLENN / FLORIDA TODAY questions. Safety is a top priority for us. We want to make sure we’re keeping the wrong people out and the right people in. Reopening South Lake Elementary: We have amazing opportunities in Brevard County, but in talking to people, I learned not every child has access due to economics or geography. The northern area of Brevard really fell into that category. We want to close that gap and give that community the same chances everyone else is getting. In the 2018-2019 school year, we plan to have students walking into a choice school in Titusville. We’re taking this year to build it with the help of the community. We need input. Whenever you hear we’re out and about we need to hear from you so we know what you want out of this school. 16 | Space Coast Parent NOVEMBER 2017
KID CRAFTS Get crafty with the kids this month. Gymboree Play & Music of Melbourne provided some fun, family-friendly activities. Pilgrim hat PHOTO PROVIDED BY GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC OF MELBOURNE. Gobble gobble cup PHOTO PROVIDED BY GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC OF MELBOURNE. Gobble Gobble Cup What You Need: · Plastic Solo cup · Sturdy string · Sponge · Feathers · Wiggly eyes · Paper beak · Hot glue gun (only to be used with an adult) Step 1 - Poke a small hole at the top of the cup. Cut around 20 inches of string and lace the string through the hole and tie a knot at the top (the bottom of the cup) then use a hot glue gun to add extra reinforcement. You will be tugging on the string so you want to make sure it won’t pull through. The long end of the sting will hang through the cup. Step 2 - Cut a cheap sponge into quarters. Take a ¼ and tie the string around the middle of the sponge. Step 3 - Decorate your cup with wiggly eyes, beak and feather You’re all done! All you have to do is dampen the sponge and use it to pinch the string and pull down! Pilgrim Hat Crayon Holder Keep them busy at the kid’s table with this cute little craft! What You Need · Small black paper cup · Black paper circle · Buttons · Ribbon or washi tape · Small decorative paper square · Box cutter (only to be used with an adult) · Hot glue gun (only to be used with an adult) Step 1 - Use box cutter to cut the bottom out of the black paper cup. Step 2 - Attach paper circle to the cup using wet glue or a hot glue gun. Step 3 - Attach ribbon, decorative square and button with hot glue gun. You’re all done! Set one at the seat of each child and cover the table with butcher papre or a paper table cloth! NOVEMBER 2017 Space Coast Parent | 17
Page 1 and 2: NOVEMBER 2017 | FREE Organizations
Page 3 and 4: contents NOVEMBER 2017 IN THIS MONT
Page 5 and 6: COVER PHOTO ENTRIES Thanks to every
Page 7 and 8: Is a backpack injuring your child?
Page 9 and 10: Brevard. This year’s one-day even
Page 11 and 12: ourne Library 2755 Wingate Blvd. We
Page 13 and 14: WHERE KIDS EAT FREE Here’s a list
Page 15: for students (ages 10 and up) that
Page 19: FINDING WORK SHOULDN’T BE WORK.

Space Coast Parent - November 2017

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