The School Board of Escambia County, Florida, convened in a Special Recognition Meeting at 5:00 p.m., in Room 160, at the J.E. Hall Educational Services Center, 30 East Texar Drive, Pensacola, Florida, with the following present:

Chairman:     Dr. John DeWitt    

Vice Chairman:   Ms. Linda Finkelstein

Board Members:    Mr. Gary L. Bergosh

Mrs. Cary Stidham

Dr. Elmer Jenkins (was not present)

School Board Attorney:      Mr. Francisco M. Negron, Jr. (was not present)

Superintendent of Schools:  Mr. Jim Paul

I.   CALL TO ORDER

Dr. DeWitt called the Special Recognition Meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.  Motion made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Mr. Bergosh, to approve all presentations and recognitions, was approved 4 to 0, with Dr. Jenkins absent for vote.  

II. PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

 Mr. Ronnie Arnold, Director of Information Services, served as ‘Master of Ceremonies’ for the program.  The School Board and Superintendent congratulated all of the honored recipients that were in attendance, on the following achievements:

1.  Presentation to ‘A’ Schools

 Senator Durell Peaden, Representative Holly Benson, Representative Dave Murzin, and Representative Greg Evers presented checks and certificates to schools that received an ‘A’ grade or improved at least one letter grade from the previous year (determined by the Florida Department of Education).  The following schools were recognized for receiving an ‘A’ grade: Hellen Caro Elementary, Barrineau Park Elementary, Bratt Elementary, N.B. Cook Elementary, Cordova Park Elementary, Molino Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, A.K. Suter Elementary, Beulah Elementary, Lipscomb Elementary, Ransom Middle, Ferry Pass Middle, Workman Middle, Brown Barge Middle, and Bailey Middle.  The following schools were recognized for improving by at least one letter grade from the previous year: Ferry Pass Elementary, Montclair Elementary, Pine Meadow Elementary, Yniestra Elementary, Lincoln Park Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle, Pensacola High, and Washington High.

2.  United Way Outstanding Achievement Awards

 Ms. Verteen Morris, Director of Resource Development for United Way, presented awards to A.K. Suter Elementary School, Ransom Middle School, Washington High School, and the Internal Auditing Department for their involvement in the 2001-2002 United Way Campaign.

3. Recognition of Sheriff Ron McNesby

 Mrs. Peggy Pilcher, Coordinator of Volunteer and Business Partnerships, presented a plaque to Sheriff Ron McNesby, in recognition of the Sheriff’s Department for providing background checks on mentors.

4.   Recognition of World Ford

 Mr. Rich Ziemba, World Ford, accepted a ‘certificate of appreciation’ for World Ford’s annual $1,000 donation to the Educational Foundation.  The donation was used by the FDLRS/Westgate Associate Center for defraying refreshment costs for FDLRS workshops in the tri-district area.

5.  World Food Month – Resolution

Mr. Timothy Evans, Executive Director of the Manna Food Bank, accepted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the welfare of our citizens, and of young people in particular, is a concern of all Americans; and

WHEREAS, the School Board of Escambia County recognizes the need for voluntary efforts by citizens to provide for the welfare of others, as well as to supplement the efforts of government to promote the general welfare; and

WHEREAS, the School Board of Escambia County wishes to recognize and to assist the Manna Food Bank in its efforts to relieve hunger in our community; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby recognize the month of October as

and does hereby encourage administrators, teachers and school children to recognize and support this event. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby order a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the special meeting of said Board and a copy be tendered to Timothy Evans, Executive Director, Manna Food Bank.

6.  Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge George Awards

Hunter Scott, a student in the International Baccalaureate Program at Pensacola High School; Sue Straughn, anchor for WEAR TV; and A.K. Suter Elementary School, were recognized for receiving the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge George Award for their entries in the Freedoms Foundation National Awards Program.

7.   Recognition of 5-Star School Award Winners

 Mrs. Peggy Pilcher, Coordinator of Volunteer and Business Partnerships, presented certificates to the following schools for being named Five-Star Schools by the Florida Department of Education: Beulah Elementary, N.B. Cook Elementary, Cordova Park Elementary, Lipscomb Elementary, Scenic Heights Elementary, Warrington Elementary, Hellen Caro Elementary, Pine Meadow Elementary, Sherwood Elementary, A.K. Suter Elementary, Oakcrest Elementary, Jim Allen Elementary, Ensley Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, McArthur Elementary, Workman Middle, and Holm Elementary.

8.  Recognition of Terry Teets for Volunteer Work

 Mr. Terry Teets, an employee of the Maintenance Department, was recognized as the only employee that had taken advantage of the District Volunteer Program.  Mr. Teets had worked one hour per week for the past three years at N.B. Cook Elementary School.

9.  American Education Week/Education Support Personnel Day – Resolution

 Madonna Jackson-Williams, President of the Escambia Education Association, accepted the following resolution:    

WHEREAS, our American Democracy depends on an informed and well educated populace; and

WHEREAS, the public schools of America play a significant and irreplaceable role in providing a free and excellent educational opportunity to each American citizen; and

WHEREAS, Escambia District Schools support Highest Student Achievement and consistently perform at and above state and national norms; and

WHEREAS, officials, employees, and supporters of Escambia District schools recognize and appreciate the significant responsibility of educating every citizen and daily demonstrate their commitment to a high quality educational experience for every citizen; and

WHEREAS, teachers and educational support employees represented by Escambia NEA, the officers and members of the Escambia County Council of PTA, and the officials and leaders of Escambia District Schools are significant partners in the effort to provide high quality schools for citizens of Escambia County; and

WHEREAS, the week of November 17 - 23, 2002 has been designated American Education Week to honor the work of teachers and other educational employees;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby proclaim November 17 - 23, 2002 as

and further, in specific recognition of the contributions of Educational Support Personnel to the overall mission of public schools, the School Board proclaims Wednesday, November 20, 2002 as

and encourages education and community leaders to A Walk in Our Shoes on that day;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the regular meeting of said Board, and copies be provided to leaders of the Escambia FEA and each work location so that they may be displayed during the

10.  Florida Teaching Excellence Award Finalist

Rhonda Pierce, a guidance counselor at Pleasant Grove Elementary School, was recognized for being selected as a finalist for the Florida Teaching Excellence Award presented by the Florida Education Association.

11.  2003 Adelle Graham Award of Excellence

Mrs. Peggy Pilcher, Coordinator of Volunteer and Business Partnerships, was recognized for being selected to receive the 2003 Adelle Graham Award of Excellence for the statewide impact that she has had on volunteer and business partnership programs.

12. National Family Literacy Day – Resolution

 Wayne Odom, Director of Title I, accepted the following resolution:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby proclaim Friday, November 1, 2002 as

in Escambia County, and all citizens are encouraged to observe this time with activities that promote literacy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the special meeting of said Board and copy be tendered to C. Wayne Odom, Director of Title I.

13.   Sunshine Math Competition Award Winners

The following students were recognized for receiving either a first, second or third place award in individual or team competition at the Sunshine Math Competition: Chris Webb, Hellen Caro Elementary; Michelle Albert, Pensacola Beach Elementary; William Whitney, A.K. Suter Elementary; Eric Amos, Meredith Metcalf, Jordan Loper, Rainer Corley, Rebecca Phipps, Edward Wong, Mollie Mead, Brooke McKinney, Robert Scott, Ross Silecky, Faysal Rifai, Nick Miller, Clarissa Hernandez, Daniel Danforth, Spencer Leeper, Margaret Pope, and Jenny Zeng, all of Cordova Park Elementary; Caitlyn Gallagher, Jemimah Chen, Hannah Glenny, Adrika Venkatanarayanan, Altelisha Taylor, Sabrina Graham, Emily Pfeiffer, and Maher Guizani, all of Lipscomb Elementary; Yen-Nhi Tran, D’Arrington Lovely, Ben Pham, and Tuan Khuu, all of Warrington Elementary; Hayley Hinote, Madison Geis, Kelly Suhrheinrch, Scottie Lee, Khris Lee, Hayley Heath, Ben Hendrix, and Emily McGuffin, all of Scenic Heights Elementary.

14.   Exceptional Student Education Week – Resolution

 Kim Stefansson, Chairperson of the ESE Advisory Council, accepted the following resolution:

WHEREAS, throughout its long history, American education has opened the doors of opportunity for people of all backgrounds and ages; and

WHEREAS, educational programs for exceptional students, including those that have disabilities and those who are gifted, are a significant example of the American principle that every individual be given the opportunity to contribute his or her utmost to the good of the community; and

WHEREAS, the need for further progress in the education of exceptional students is an integral part of the initiative for school improvement and accountability; and

WHEREAS, the 850 teachers and support personnel who are directly involved in the education of exceptional students deserve recognition for the contributions they make to students;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby recognize the week of October 6 - 12, 2002 as

and urges all principals, students, parents and citizens to join in this recognition and show their appreciation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby order a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the special meeting of said Board and a copy be tendered to Kim Stefansson, Chairperson of the Exceptional Student Education Advisory Council.

15.  Agri-Science Teacher Leadership Program

 Perry Byers, a teacher at Northview High School, was recognized for being chosen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Department of Education, to participate in the Agri-Science Teacher Leadership Program.  As a participant, Mr. Byers will receive special training on agriculture issues to develop curriculum and teaching materials to instruct students about the importance of agriculture in the state and throughout the country.

16.  Workman Middle EnerJags State Winners

 The Workman Middle School EnerJags were recognized for receiving first place in the state for their Energy Program.  The award was given by the National Energy Education Development Project.  The following students are members of the EnerJags Team: Ashley Bourassa, Tanae Kemp, Kaitlin Schisler, Natalyn Ingram, Austin Shaw, Anna Crittenden, Brooke Newby, Leanna Roll, Ben Blodgett, Lindsey Horan, Alex Bell, Carly Davis, Brian Koontz, Mallory Ambrose, Kevin Mayes, Markeshia Vickers, Laura Foote, Laura Lamar, Lacey Spruce, Crystal Speller, Jacquelynn Halstead, Mandy Thomas, Melea Griffin, Leslie Noyes, Brian Bosso, Chelsea Duell, Candice Golson, Sarah Pope, and Amanda Morgan. 

17.  2002-2003 Social Studies Teachers of the Year

The following teachers were recognized for being selected as 2002-2003 Social Studies Teachers of the Year for their grade level: Melody Stalker, Sherwood Elementary School; Glenda Fillingim, Brownsville Middle School; and Cynthia Redeker, Pensacola High School.

18.   Washington High ‘Sophisticated Cats’ Dance Team

The Washington High ‘Sophisticated Cats’ Dance Team was recognized for receiving first place in ‘Choreography’ and second place in ‘Overall Dance Ability’ at national competition.  All eight members have also been invited to dance at half-time for the Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The following students are members of the ‘Sophisticated Cats’: Carmen D’Amico, Captain, Melissa Rodriquez, Co-Captain, Brandy Taylor, Melissa Cinicola, Ashley Keeney, Whitney Babb, Charlotte Sawtell, and Tiffany Johnson.

19.  Florida Council of Instructional Technology Leaders Board Member

Don Manderson, Director of Instructional Technology, was recognized for being asked to serve as a Board Member for the Florida Council of Instructional Technology Leaders.  As a member, Mr. Manderson will have the opportunity to access up-to-date information regarding state resources, initiatives, and funding for instructional technology.

20.   2002 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge Finalist

Anna Harageones, a student at Ferry Pass Middle School, was recognized for being selected as one of 400 semifinalists in the 2002 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge.

21.   National Junior Classical League Convention Award Winner

Matt Mumby, an Escambia High School student, was recognized for receiving first place awards in the following categories at the National Junior Classical League Convention: Grammar III, Vocabulary III, Reading Comprehension – Prose, and Reading Comprehension – Poetry.

22.  Regional Parent Involvement Award

A.K. Suter Elementary School was recognized for receiving the Regional Parent Involvement Award by the Office of Family Involvement with the Florida Department of Education.

23.   2002 School Nurse of the Year

Julie Terrell, was recognized for being selected as the 2002 Florida School Nurse of the Year by the Florida School Health Association.

24.   National School Nurse Certification

Judy Allen-Jewell, Elizabeth Martin-Dickup, Andrea Frye, and Julie Pecchia were recognized for having successfully met the requirements to receive National School Nurse Certification. 

25.   National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Workshop

Drucilla Henderson-James, a teacher at Brentwood Middle School, was recognized for being one of only 130 National Board Certified Teachers selected to attend the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Workshop.

26.  Florida Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Certification

The Culinary Arts Program at Pine Forest High School was recognized for having successfully met the criteria to become a certified School-to-Work Career Program.  The school will receive a check for $500 to be used to enhance the program.

III.   ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.  A reception sponsored by the Foundation for Excellence followed the meeting.

Attest:                                                     Approved:

Superintendent                                       Chairman