January 28, 2016 Volume iv, ISSUE 5

Story Board is an interactive newsletter. All sponsor ads and text in blue are links!

To really have an appreciation for what all of us

have today, try living the life of people who’ve

gone before us and experience their hardships,

said January’s BPS/Sprint Superhero, Tom

Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, his wife, and his team of

mules have participated in historical re-enactments

for 10 years. Last month the team participated

in bringing 12 military veterans to their final

resting place at the new Cape Canaveral National

Cemetery in Mims. This ceremony included 12 urns

with cremated remains that were given full honors

including a caisson escort, flag folding service, flag

presentation, bugle taps, and 21 gun salute.

Fitzgerald participates in about 15 events a year

and dons the wool Civil War period costumes of

both the Union and Confederate armies, depending

on what the event requires. He is usually re-

enacting battles that took place in Florida with the

Second Florida Calvary. He has traveled all over

the country to participate in events including the

150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in

Pennsylvania.

His fondest memory involves seven mule wagon

teams bringing the remains of some of the 1,200

soldiers who died fighting the Seminole Indians

in the 1800s in the Spanish American Wars, to

St. Augustine. The National Cemetery there was

BPS SPRINt superhero named

ESF’s Education Technology network engineer, Tom Fitzgerald leads his mule team

at a community event.

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 1

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By Desmond K. Blackburn, Ph.D On December 20, 2015, I celebrated the completion of five months serving as your superintendent. It seems like only yesterday when I sat in the board room and made certain assurances to your School Board and to this community if I were given the privilege to serve the

students of BPS. These assurances included specific action that I would take and include: (1) I

would learn about Brevard and the district before

trying to CHANGE Brevard; (2) I would assimilate

what I learned into a focused strategic plan based

on a thoughtful and collaborative approach; and (3)

I would organize our resources (TIME, PEOPLE, and MONEY) around the goals and strategies developed to execute the plan effectively. If done

effectively, this strategic plan should accomplish

two specific objectives: It should build on key strengths of the district, while minimizing our weaknesses.

On December 15, people from throughout the community came out to hear about those strengths and, challenges, and how building on strengths and developing strategies to address challenges would be the focus of our new strategic plan. What they did not hear was a final plan, but instead heard about my initial findings leading to focused themes we will

use as a foundation for our priorities. Next, audience members (either live, streamed

or recorded video) were provided opportunity to give feedback to either confirm or refute these focused themes as priorities for our new strategic plan.

The results have been outstanding and led us to our next phase – strategic plan

development.

While specific steps are far from final, you will hear over the next months some very purposeful word usage such as people, process and performance. First and foremost you will hear a “people first” bias on my part. Next you will hear me speak to a “collaborative process” in the development and deployment of this plan.

Performance comes last, as it should. If, and only

if, all people are valued in an equitable way and empowered to take the lead within a collaborative

process will performance reach optimal levels. Because, regardless of how high the performance

is, if people are not valued within a collaborative process, we will not be performing at our best. Because equity aligns so closely with people and

process, it will also be an underlying theme of our

strategic planning process.

While we have already rolled-up our sleeves to begin the process of identifying and developing strategies and performance measures, it is never too late to engage in the process. I would encourage you to do a few things as you come alongside BPS as we develop our strategic plan. Watch the presentation at: www.brevardschools.

org (click on “School Board” and then “links” and then “Board meeting videos”). I would also encourage you to read the book, Good Strategy/Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt as the concepts covered in the book are the foundations for our process. As we come together as a community, we will create a better Brevard Public Schools and a greater still, Brevard County.

catching up with dr. b

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 2

On January 27, 2016, the fifth annual ABC (Applauding Brevard’s Champions) Awards Gala, presented by Community Credit Union and hosted by Brevard Schools Foundation, was held at the King Center in Melbourne. During the event, BPS recognized and revealed the winners of various categories:

Teacher of the Year —Mark Peters, Port Malabar Elementary

Employee of the Year —Cindy Schutz, media assistant, Atlantis Elementary

Assistant Principal of the Year —Jennifer Brockwell, Challenger 7 Elementary

Principal of the Year —Tara Taylor, Pinewood Elementary

Youth Volunteer of the Year —Truong Vo for work at Eau Gallie High

Adult Volunteer of the Year —Glen Outlaw for work at Cambridge Elementary

Senior Volunteer of the Year —Paul “Doc” Yankow for work at Melbourne High

Les Stafford Lifetime Achievement Award —Bettye Kelley for work at Endeavour Elementary

The Foundation also recognized its business partners of distinction which included: The Boeing Company, Bruce Crass, Heineman Foundation, The Viera Company, Balda Family Foundation, Harris Corporation, and the Suntree Elementary PTO.

“The Brevard Schools Foundation has created a truly memorable event to recognize our schools’ champions and community advocates, who give so much to the children we serve,” said Superintendent Desmond Blackburn. “On behalf of the district, I want to thank the staff, teachers, administrators, volunteers and organizations honored during this program for their extraordinary service.”

Mark Peters

Cindy Schutz,

Winners Announced at ABC Awards

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 3

dedicated on August 15, 1842 and is the oldest in the country.Fitzgerald and his team participated

in a huge re-enactment of that event.

Fitzgerald explained that horses and mules were historically used at military funerals. “The horse drawn caisson is military tradition,” he explained. “Caissons were ammunition wagons used to carry deceased soldiers, covered by the US flag as a honor.”

Fitzgerald’s wife is a horse lover and to share her hobby, he decided to get mules instead. A decade later, he is still excited about the activities and calls them “intense.” “I get to re-enact historic moments and give back to the community. What could be better than that,” he said.

Do you know someone in your school or department who does something interesting outside of work? Nominate him or her to be a superhero. Contact Foley.Debra@brevardschools.org.

Triple Good Bars: Chewy, Gooey Goodness

Ingredients:

2 C. raisins

1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1 T. grated lemon peel

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1 C. butter, softened

1-1/3 C. firmly packed brown sugar

1-1/2 t. vanilla extract

2-1/2 C. oats

1-1/2 C. walnuts; chopped

½ t. baking soda

¼ t. salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 13” x 9” baking pan.

2. In medium saucepan, combine the first four ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat; set aside.

3. Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Stir in remaining ingredients until evenly mixed and crumbly. Reserve 2 cups.

Press remaining mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Spread raisin mixture on top to within ½ inch of the edge of pan. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; pat lightly.

4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Cut into small squares and serve.

Superhero Tom Fitzgerald participates in opening the

new Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 4

continued from page 1

Second Semester Training Schedule

Upcoming Secretary Training Training for all school and department secretaries will begin next month. The classes will be in computer lab 712 at ESF. Register in ProGOE. Course #13806. For more information, contact Charles Smith x204.

Date Time Section

Monday, February 22 8 – 11:30 a.m. #392251 Monday, February 22 1 – 4:30 p.m. #392250 Wednesday, February 24 8 – 11:30 a.m. #392252 Monday, February 29 8 – 11:30 a.m. #392253 Monday, February 29 1 – 4:30 p.m. #392254 Wednesday, March 2 8 – 11:30 a.m. #392255 Monday, March 7 8 – 11:30 a.m. #392256 Monday, March 7 1 – 4:30 p.m. #392257

ET Offers Wide Range of Courses Want to brush up on some computer skills or learn something new. Sign up in ProGOE for the following courses:

Course Date Time Section Location

Excel 1 February 12 8:30 – 11:30 392274 ESF 914

Excel 2 February 12 12:30 – 3:30 392275 ESF 914

iPad Basics February 16 8:30 – 11:30 392276 ESF 404N

Oodles of Apps February 16 12:30 – 3:30 392277 ESF 404N

Google Docs February 17 8:30 – 11:30 392288 ESF 914

Google Classroom February 17 12:30 – 3:30 392289 ESF 914

Blended Learning February 22 8:30 – 3:30 392290 ESF 914

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 5

Any teachers with Florida professional educator certificates that are due to expire on June 30, 2016 must complete a renewal application prior to May 2, 2016. To find the application, visit BPS’ website and click on the departments tab. Select certification and then district renewal of professional certificate. Sign in to access the application.

Before certificates can be renewed, a level II background check form must be completed, submitted, processed and posted for certification by the Office of District and School Security. All renewal applications are to be in the certification office by May 2nd, 2016. If you are currently completing a course or an in-service please request an extension when submitting renewal application with a note attached.

Checklist

Certificate renewal application for 2015-16 must be complete, course work, in-service credits earned and level II background check form documented by May 1, 2016 in order to be eligible for reappointment.

1. Complete online renewal application.

2.. Attach in-service report

3. Ask school secretary for yellow level II background check form

4. Complete, sign and forward to certification department at ESF.

Important Certification News

Agriculture 6–12 1/1–2/29 1/1–2/29 within 5 weeks of the test date

Business Education 6–12 1/ 1–3/31 1/ 1–3/31 within 5 weeks of the test date

FELE Subtest 1 3/1–31 3/1–31 within 5 weeks of the test date

FELE Subtest 2 3/1–31 3/1–31 within 5 weeks of the test date

FELE Subtest 3: Multiple-Choice Section 3/1–31 3/ 1–31 within 5 weeks of the test date

General Knowledge: English Language Skills Subtest 3/1–31 3/–31 within 5 weeks of the test date

General Knowledge:

Mathematics Subtest 3/–31 3/–31 within 5 weeks of the test date

Social Science 6–12 2/1–29 2/1–29 within 5 weeks of the test date

Spanish K–12 1/1–3/31 1/1–3/31 within 7 weeks of the test date

Test Dates for Which Unofficial Pass/Non-Pass Status Is Not Provided at the Test Site

Test Dates for Which Score Reports May Be Delayed

Score Reports ReleasedTest

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 6

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Cambridge Elementary

Abbey Turner, Title I and business partner coordinator at Cambridge Elementary in Cocoa, won an Apple iPad Mini from business partner, Seacoast Bank, in its “Merry Little iPad” contest. Seacoast Bank, a longtime supporter and business partner with BPS, has another contest running this month. Check out its ad in Storyboard.

“I was so excited to win the iPad Mini from Seacoast Bank. I read Storyboard monthly on the BPS website and it was fun to have a contest imbedded within it,” Turner said. “I greatly appreciate

the help and support that Seacoast Bank offers to BPS.”

First year Cambridge Elementary art teacher, Amanda Shaw, recently showcased her unique talents as a chalk artist at the ArtWorks art festival on November 21, 2015 in the Eau Gallie arts district.

As a member of the Florida Chalk Artists Association, Shaw helps promote chalk art through festivals and shows in the state of Florida. She also takes part in demonstrations on the vast number of ways chalk can be used as a medium, and educates the public about the history of street painters. The ArtWorks art

festival is a two day event where the public can visually see how artists work in their medium. The festival utilizes the talents of local musicians, including local high school ensembles, and also incorporates a student division area which features some high school art students.

“I was glad to have participated and worked along upcoming high school artists,” Shaw said. “It’s always inspirational to see student artists branching out to different media.”

DeLaura Middle and Satellite High Three teachers received the General Federations of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), Satellite Beach Woman’s Club’s (SBWC) teacher grant. The GFWC SBWC annually offers both DeLaura Middle and Satellite High the opportunity to apply for teacher grants in the amount of $500 each. In order to qualify, teachers must meet the application deadline and explain how the dollars would best help their students.

This year’s GFWC SBWC teacher grant application winners are as follows:

Leslie Thomas - Satellite High; marine and integrated science

Deborah Austin - DeLaura Middle; science research

Kimberly Swinehart – DeLaura Middle; language arts / ESE

Good News

Seacoast Bank’s Janet Cathy presents a new iPad mini to Cambridge Elementary’s Abbey Turner.

Cambridge art teacher, Amanda Shaw, demonstrates her talent as a chalk artist.

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 7

Facilities Services An appreciation barbeque was recently held at the Rockledge headquarters of the facilities service team. Facilities staff leaders served

a delicious lunch to over 150 facilities employees. The meal was made possible by Brevard Public Schools local

1010 Allied Painters and Trades International Union and Pepsico. Speakers included Superintendent Desmond Blackburn and School Board Chairman, Andy Zieglar. Both discussed how important support positions are in the educational success of BPS.

The speakers struck a chord with Lori Jones, plant operations and maintenance customer service center representative. “I feel like I’m doing a good job; I feel even more motivated to go above and beyond in my work each day,” she said. “I am excited to help create a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff.”

Heritage High Heritage High physics teacher, Randy Walter recently received $1,000 for a student rocketry project. The teacher tools award is provided by Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). The AFCEA is a professional association that connects innovative people, great ideas and vital solutions to advance

global security, according to its website.

“AFCEA has been a terrific resource for additional funds for science equipment needs. This is the seventh year I have applied for the award and have won on each occasion,” Walter said. “I am not sure I could otherwise meet the needs of my department with budgets for equipment becoming increasingly tighter each year.”

Jupiter Elementary Jupiter Elementary employees participated in a local volunteer project to help build Brevard County’s Field of Dreams.

Field of Dreams is a new, five acre sporting complex specifically designed for individuals with special needs. When the city of West Melbourne set out to recruit 1,300 volunteers, Jupiter employees signed up. In order to complete the project efficiently with the number of volunteers on hand, each volunteer group was given a different task to complete.

“It was an amazing opportunity for our school to be able to participate in the Field of Dreams community build project,” said Jupiter principal, Sherie Troisi. “It was truly a blessing to be a part of something that will have a lasting impact on the lives of children with special needs and their families.”

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 8

BPS facilities employees enjoy an appreciation lunch in Rockledge.

Jupiter Elementary staff members donate time to build Field of Dreams.

Thanks to all the BPS employees who supported the United Way campaign. Our combined efforts brought in nearly $260,000 to the campaign. Over 3,000 employees contributed and our contribution was the second largest in the state for school districts. Over the last 25 years, BPS employees have contributed $4.2 million to the Brevard community through this campaign.

The District’s support of United Way is important for many reasons. Through United Way, employees are meeting nearly every kind of human need in Brevard - from children and families, to seniors and veterans, from domestic violence shelters to after-school programs. Many of the families that have kids in our schools are using services that are supported by United Way.

BPS Goes Tobacco Free

United Way Update

BPS has joined the growing number of Florida school districts and employers in creating a healthier environment by eliminating all forms of tobacco on all BPS grounds at all times by everyone. “We are all here for the children. Setting a tobacco free policy and embracing a culture of well-being provides the District with an opportunity to positively influence the lives of our students by creating a healthy environment through positive role-modelling,” said Superintendent Desmond Blackburn.

This new policy addresses students, parents, employees, vendors, and visitors on any school ground and property, including schools, district offices, athletic fields, practice fields, playgrounds, parking lots, administrative offices, maintenance, or transportation areas owned, leased, rented or chartered by the school district as well as at any off-campus school or district sponsored event. This policy is a

no tobacco or look-alike use by anyone, anytime, anywhere on any BPS grounds, property, or events.

“School Board Policy 3215 is very proactive in addressing the use of all tobacco products, not just cigarettes. Any tobacco product or electronic cigarette is included. Nicotine is a very addictive and poisonous drug,” said Lana Saal, BPS employee wellness manager. “The increasing popularity of electronic smoking devices poses the next generation of harmful nicotine delivery and potentially health-harming volatile organic compounds and toxins, known to cause cancer for both the user and those exposed to the vapor byproducts (similar to second-hand smoke risks). The BPS policy proactively addresses all forms of tobacco products.”

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 9

BPS Storyboard is a publication of Brevard Public Schools for employees published by the Department of Community Relations.

Michelle Irwin, director Debra Foley, editor Dan Jankowski, layout Abby Rex, assistant

Contributing editors:

Dinah Kramer Rick Morton Lana Saal

Brevard Public Schools, 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Fl 32940For more information call 321-633-1000, ext. 796. To submit editorial copy or to place an ad, please contact foley.debra@brevardschools.org.

By Rick Morton For more than 10 years, BPS has supported

the efforts of the American Cancer

Society and its Relay for Life events. Last

year, BPS sported 77 teams that collectively raised over $122,000.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer

Society’s premier fundraising event involving more than four million people in over 20 countries world-wide annually. Relay provides an avenue for promoting awareness to save lives from the devastating effects of cancer. During a Relay for Life event, communities come together to celebrate what survivors

have overcome, remember those we have lost to this disease, and fight back by taking action and joining forces with those who are battling cancer.

“Paint Your World Purple” is the theme of the 2016 events. In the Relay family, purple signifies hope: hope for a better tomorrow, hope for more survivors, hope for a world without cancer.

Please consider visiting a Relay For Life event near you – or better yet, sign up today (for free) to help us create a world with more birthdays. For more information on any of these events, please contact the American Cancer Society of Brevard at (321) 253-0361 or visit Relay online at www.relayforlife.org.

Date Event Location

3/25-26 Florida Tech FIT

4/2-3 South Brevard Beaches Satellite HS Stadium

4/9-10 Melbourne / Eau Gallie Wickham Park

4/9-10 Titusville Chain of Lakes Park

4/9-10 Rockledge Larry Schultz Park

4/16 Viera / Suntree The Avenue Viera, Central Park

4/16 Central Brevard Beaches Exploration Tower, Port Canaveral

4/23 Cocoa Village Cocoa Village Riverfront Park

4/23 Merritt Island Merritt Island HS

4/23-24 Palm Bay Bayside HS

4/30 Harmony Harmony Town Square

4/30 Port St. John Fay Park

To offer submissions for “Good News” in Storyboard or to brag about someone in your school or department, please send an email to Rex.Laura@brevardschools.org.

BPS STORYBOARD - January 28, 2016 - VOLUME IV, ISSUE 5 - PAGE 10

BPS Again Supports Relay for Life