THE SCHOOL BOARD OF

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA

MINUTES, APRIL 3, 2003

 

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

 

Chair:  Ms. Linda Finkelstein        

Vice Chair:   Mrs. Cary Stidham

 

Board Members:   Mrs. Carissa Bergosh

Mr. Ronnie Clark

Dr. John DeWitt

 

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

 

Superintendent of Schools: Mr. Jim Paul

 

I. CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Finkelstein called the Special Recognition Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  Motion made by Mrs. Stidham, seconded by Dr. DeWitt, to approve all presentations and recognitions, was unanimous.

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:

 

II.  PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

1. Presentation by Manna Food Bank

Tim Evans, Director of the Manna Food Bank, presented awards to the elementary, middle and high schools that collected the most food this year.  Hellen Caro Elementary was recognized for collecting 7,063 pounds, Ransom Middle for collecting 3,325 pounds, and Pensacola High for collecting 3,300 pounds.

 

2. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools STAR Awards

The following schools were recognized for receiving the Schools Taking Action to Reform (STAR) award from the Southern Association of Colleges (SACS), for their achievement in being SACS accredited under the Commission on Elementary and Middle Schools, and for receiving a performance grade of ‘A’ or ‘B’ from the Department of Education (DOE): Hellen Caro Elementary, Pleasant Grove Elementary, Beulah Elementary, Blue Angels Elementary, Brentwood Elementary, N.B. Cook Elementary, Lincoln Park Elementary, Cordova Park Elementary, Ferry Pass Elementary, Scenic Heights Elementary, A.K. Suter Elementary, Molino Elementary, Barrineau Park Elementary, Pine Meadow Elementary, Bratt Elementary, McArthur Elementary, Lipscomb Elementary, Brown-Barge Middle, Ferry Pass Middle, Workman Middle, Ransom Middle, and Ernest Ward Middle.

 

DELETED 3. Woodham High School 4A State Basketball Champions

 

4. Senate Page for State Senator Charlie Clary

Jackie Goodman, a sophomore in the International Baccalaureate Program at Pensacola High School, was recognized for being selected to serve as the Senate Page for State Senator Charlie Clary during the upcoming 2003 legislative session.

 

5. Partnership Agreement Signings

Peggy Pilcher, Coordinator of Volunteer and Business Partnerships, gave a short synopsis of the support that the following groups provide to the School District: WEAR TV 3, Pensacola Little Theater, and the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Ms. Finkelstein and the Superintendent joined with representatives from those groups in signing partnership agreements with the School District.

 

6. Perfect ACT Score

Brian Claggett, a student at Washington High School, was recognized for receiving a perfect score of 36 on the ACT test taken in October. Brian was one of only three students in Florida to receive a perfect score. Nationally, less than 1% of test takers receive a perfect score.

 

7. Katherine C. Pomeroy Award

Brendan Heath and Andy Pope, eighth grade students at Ferry Pass Middle School and the PATS Program, were recognized for receiving the Katherine C. Pomeroy Award for Junior Best in Show at the Escambia County History Fair.  This award is given in memory of Katherine Pomeroy, an outstanding Social Studies educator from Bailey Middle School.

 

8. J. Earle Bowden Award

Carrie Hunter, a sophomore at Pensacola High School, was recognized for receiving the J. Earle Bowden Young Historian Award for Outstanding Entry in the 2003 Escambia County History Fair.  Presented annually, this award is given in honor of J. Earle Bowden, Editor Emeritus of the Pensacola News Journal.

 

9. Escambia County History Fair Logo Contest Winner

Vithia An, a student at Pensacola High School, was recognized for winning the 2003 Escambia County History Fair Logo Contest. Her artwork featured the National History Day theme, “Rights and Responsibilities in History.”  Her design was featured on a billboard donated by Lamar Advertising, History Fair t-shirts, lapel pins, and the cover of the Awards Ceremony Program.

 

10. Escambia County History Fair Teachers of Merit

Sue Stevens, Media Specialist for Navy Point Elementary, was recognized for receiving the Escambia County History Fair Elementary Teacher of Merit Award and Patsy Manning, Social Studies Chair at Wedgewood Middle School, was recognized for receiving the Secondary Teacher of Merit Award.

 

11. Advancing Escambia County History Fair Winners

The following students were recognized for receiving either first or second place awards in various categories at the Escambia County History Fair and will participate in the Florida History Fair: Brynne Piotrowski, PATS Center; Phuong Thach, Brown-Barge Middle; Brittney Edwards, Brown-Barge Middle; Megan Crawford, Brown-Barge Middle; Brittany Madden, Bellview Middle; Mahgan Boothe, Bellview Middle; Rachel Rowan, Brown-Barge Middle; Sarah Ingram, Bellview Middle; Leah Duncan, Bellview Middle; Lindsey Box, Bellview Middle; Nicole Brabec, Bellview Middle; Megan Miller, Bellview Middle; Colleen Campbell, Bellview Middle; Cathy Ruzkkowski, Bellview Middle; Eric Rawson, Brown-Barge Middle; Jenna Ezell, Brown-Barge Middle; Andy Pope, Ferry Pass Middle; Brendan Heath, Ferry Pass Middle; Imesha McNeal, Brown-Barge Middle; Rachel Jones, Brown-Barge Middle; Diana Roycroft, Workman Middle; Joel Black, Bellview Middle; Mallory Farrugia, Pensacola High; Mike Dmytrenko, Pensacola High; Daniel Martin, Pensacola High; Brandon Porterhouse, Pensacola High; Daniel Colbert, Pensacola High; Chris Doenlen, Pensacola High; Charles Porch, Pensacola High; Patrick Wolff, Pensacola High; Carrie Hunter, Pensacola High; Jenny Gibson, Pine Forest High; Evangeline Fontaine, Pensacola High; Ana Eligio, Pensacola High; Ron Shreve-Flagor, Pensacola High; Madeline Daley, Washington High; Lauren Elens, Washington High; Sarah Wallis, Washington High; Kayla Ortiz, Pensacola High; Jennifer Trollinger, Pensacola High; Justin Hildebrand, Pensacola High; Andrew Baker, Pensacola High; Jennie Gulley, Pensacola High; Katie Gulley, Pensacola High; Anne Marie Patton, Pensacola Catholic High; and Jennifer Bullock, Pensacola High.

 

12. Freedoms Foundation Volunteer Chapter Youth Conference Delegate

Jennifer Trollinger, a junior in the International Baccalaureate Program at Pensacola High School, was recognized for being named by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pensacola Chapter, as one of two Pensacola delegates to the Freedoms Foundation Volunteer Chapter Youth Conference in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

 

13. Florida All-State Band

Brian Kiedinger, a junior at Washington High School, was recognized for being selected as one of only six saxophone players to be a part of the Florida All-State Band. He was also awarded the second chair position, which represents the level of his musical talents.

 

14. First Vote Week – Resolution

Laura Snow, Language Arts Subject Area Specialist, accepted the following resolution:

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the voting age was lowered to 18 when the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1971; and

WHEREAS, upon signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, President Lyndon Johnson said, “Voting is the first duty of democracy.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby recognize the week of April 21 through 25, 2003, as

FIRST VOTE WEEK

and encourages all eligible high school seniors to register to vote in order to become active participants in the democratic process.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be included in the minutes of the special meeting of said Board and a copy be tendered to each Escambia County, Florida public high school and appropriate school district personnel.

 

15. National Board Certified Teachers

The following teachers were recognized for recently earning National Board Certified Teaching Standards Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:  Jeffery Bishop, Washington High; Louise Bosse, N.B. Cook Elementary; Colleen Boyett, Pensacola High; Cheryl Johnecheck, Pensacola High; Bethany Kirkland, Hellen Caro Elementary; Tawana Martin, Washington High; Melinda Poe, ESE Department; Katie Pollard, Pine Forest High; Lynette Prevatte, Ransom Middle; Susan Shields, Escambia Westgate; Terrence Tuley, N.B. Cook Elementary; and Melanie Walrath, Pleasant Grove Elementary.

 

16. Wedgewood Middle School Cheerleading Squad

The Wedgewood Middle School Cheerleading squad was recognized for their outstanding performance in several competitions during the current year. They finished first in the Middle School Division of the American Cheerleader Championships, first at the Flip Factory Winter Competition, second at the Universal Cheerleading Regionals and qualified for a chance to compete at Nationals. Squad members were Kaytee Barnhart, captain; Missy Beal, captain; Danielle Davis, Mary Pittman, Pauline Thomas, Cara Howarth, Paige Tekel, Rachel Dooley, Courtney Lee, Lauren Smith, Vanessa Young, Sara McClure, Jordan Caraway, and Naomi Dubose. The Coach was Lynsey Pharis, a student at Washington High School, and the Sponsor was Jennifer Summerlin.

 

17. Cox Academic Tournament Winners

Pensacola High School’s Academic Team was recognized for winning the Cox Academic Tournament for 2003.  Team members were Judson Searcy, Bala Kumar, Tim Hildebrand, Michael Lallemand, Fabian Canas, and Scott Sowers.  The Coach was Allan Robinson.

 

18. Advancing West Panhandle Regional Science Fair Winners

The following students competed at the West Panhandle Regional Science Fair and were recognized for having their projects selected to represent Escambia County at the State Science and Engineering Fair: Anna Harageones, Christopher Courtney, William Diaz, Lena Sestnov, Andrew Pope, Kinsley Hess, Brendan Heath, and Brandy Barnes, all from Ferry Pass Middle; Brandon Walker, Ernest Ward Middle; Jeffery Miller, Brown-Barge Middle; Ramona Snowden, Stephen Schmitz, and Katie Cancellare, St. Paul Catholic School; Sarah Morrison, Little Flower Catholic; Kirby Turnage, and Cameron Colbert, Episcopal Day School; Mark Phillips and Michael Holmes, Redeemer Lutheran; Laura Lamar, Elise Niemeyer, Margaret Sinrod, Vithia An, Barbara Snowden, and Jeffery Yee, Pensacola High School; Peter Jones, Casey Nowlin, Hannah Skillen, Brandy Walraven, and LaRen Cox, West Florida High School of Advanced Technology; Michael Ringers and Margaret Sims, Pensacola Catholic High.

 

19. Better Speech and Hearing Month – Resolution

Barbara Bruner, Speech Language Impaired Subject Area Specialist, accepted the following resolution:

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and teachers of the hearing impaired in the School District of Escambia County celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month each year during the month of May; and

WHEREAS, the School District of Escambia County recognizes and values the efforts of all who work to eliminate or minimize the isolating effects of communication disorders in the one in ten families affected; and

WHEREAS, students have overcome their communication disabilities through the services of dedicated audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and teachers of the hearing impaired; and

WHEREAS, the School District of Escambia County is proud and honored to have two audiologists, fifty-two speech-language pathologists, and six teachers of the hearing impaired.  These professionals provide quality education and therapy to more than 3,000 speech, language, and/or hearing impaired students.  In addition, district staff provides over 7,000 hearing screenings and 1,000 audiological evaluations to students each year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the School Board of Escambia County does hereby proclaim the month of May, 2003 as

BETTER HEARING AND SPEECH MONTH

and encourages all students, faculty, and staff of the School District of Escambia County to recognize the achievements of audiologists, speech-language pathologists and teachers of the hearing impaired in improving the quality of life for people with communication disorders.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the special meeting of said Board and a copy tendered to Barbara Bruner, Speech Language Impaired Subject Area Specialist, and to each Escambia County, Florida public school and appropriate school district personnel.

 

20. FBLA District I Competition Winners

Arren Martin and Michael Ferron, students at West Florida High School of Advanced Technology, were recognized for receiving awards in Public Speaking at the FBLA District One Competition.

 

21. Mu Alpha Theta Math Team Winners

Pensacola High School’s Mu Alpha Theta Math Teams were recognized for receiving numerous awards in several recent competitions. They placed second in the Math Bowl Class Y Competition at Okaloosa-Walton Community College, they placed fourth in Region I competition at Mosley High School, and at the Capital City Regional Competition in Tallahassee they placed fifth in Algebra II and Calculus. Team members were Catherine Acob, A.J. Cox, Charles Eligio, Nupur Garg, Siddharth Garg, Matt Goff, Andrew Guyton, James Hancock, Laura Hanna, Aaron Hanson, Tim Hildebrand, Kevin Hou, Walid Kara, Daniel Martin, Thor Matthews, Andy Myers, Charley Myers, Adam Ostrich, Daniel Schindler, David Shimmel, Ricky Weiss, and Chris Whitehead.

 

22. Escambia County Council of Teachers of Mathematics Teachers of the Year

The following teachers were recognized for being selected by the Escambia County Council of Teachers of Mathematics, as Mathematics Teachers of the Year:  Traci Lewis, McArthur Elementary; Margaret Berggren, Brentwood Middle, and Sheila Montgomery, Escambia High.

 

23. Reflections Program Winner

Raven Weimeier, a student at Pensacola High School, was recognized for receiving second place in the Reflections Program for Creative Writing. Her short story will now go on to compete at the state level competition.

 

24. Southern District American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance 2003 Honor Award

N.B. Cook Elementary School Physical Education teacher Huey Pearson was recognized for receiving the 2003 Honor Award from the Southern District American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

 

25. VICA Skills USA Regional Competition Winners

The following students from the West Florida High School of Advanced Technology were recognized for receiving gold, silver and bronze medals in a variety of categories at the VICA Skills USA Regional Competition: Nicole Bowden, Casey Nowlin, Scot Wesemann, Katherine Dickey, Rose Bridges, Ryan Haney, Justin Colbert, Constance Courtney, Brandon Czubinski, Jonathan Colbert, Daniel Mars, Michael Elkins, Inna Tyulenev, Jennifer Taylor, and Kim Parenteru.

 

26. Florida Council of Teachers of English Teacher of the Year Finalist

Lisa Childs, a English teacher at Pensacola High School, was recognized for being selected as one of three finalists for the Florida Council of Teachers of English Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Childs was also the Escambia County School District Teacher of the Year for 2001-2002.

 

27. Health Occupations Students of American Region I Competitive Event Winners

The following students from the West Florida High School of Advanced Technology were recognized for receiving several second and third place awards at the Health Occupations Students of America Region I Competitive Event in a variety of categories: Eric Allen Jared Jones, Kurt Peterson, Mimi Alim, Cassie Collier, Brittany Pope, Jessica Lacy, Jordan Dany, Hannah Skillen, Christina Hutley, Janay Barnes, and Sarah Tillery.

 

28. 2003 Sunshine State Scholars Program District Scholar of the Year

Nupur Garg, a senior in the International Baccalaureate Program at Pensacola High School, was recognized for being selected as a District Scholar of the Year in the 2003 Sunshine State Scholars Program. This honor recognizes her outstanding ability and achievement in mathematics and science.  She will now compete with other scholars in our region to become one of six Regional Scholars in the state competition.

 

29. National Catholic Forensics League Debate Tournament

The following juniors at Pensacola High School were recognized for qualifying for the National Catholic Forensics League Debate Tournament: Tyler Tringas, Harris Westmoreland, Sara Stephens, Skyler Wilson, and Andrea Nosal.

 

30. Junior Nationals Swimming Qualifier

Daniel Penniman, a student at Pensacola High School, was recognized for posting times to qualify for Junior Nationals in the 50 meter, 100 meter, and 200 meter freestyle.  He was also chosen as the Most Valuable Swimmer at Pensacola High School.

 

III. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further usiness, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. A reception sponsored by the Foundation for Excellence followed the meeting.

 

Attest:                                                 Approved:

 

_______________________           __________________________

Superintendent                                   Chair