Rosenberg’s proposal to fix uni system

from Orlando Sentinel:
Florida’s ability to compete in the global economy depends upon a growing population of highly educated workers. For too long, many of our leaders have indulged in an attempt to choose between critical issues of quality and access. The result? We are dead-last nationally in student-faculty ratios. Our graduation rates are stagnant. We do not have room for all the eligible freshmen who apply, and we are now faced with an unprecedented demand for graduate education that we are not meeting.

Our students deserve the best we can offer. Yet we are not close to meeting the competitive global standard that will be necessary to ensure their success.

What can be done? Here is our plan.

First, we need critical parties — including Gov. Charlie Crist, the Legislature and the Board of Governors — to develop a multiyear “accord.” This agreement will identify objectives that the State University System will target (graduation rates, retention, access for new students, student-faculty ratios) with a specific timetable to achieve these goals. In exchange, the governor and the Legislature will agree to provide the universities with stable state support.

Nagy named to All-Space Coast Swimming Team

 floridatoday.com coverage

Julia Nagy made first team, while Montana Sweet, Crista Creech and diver Andrea Ball made second team. Julia Siljestrom and Hannah Reagan were named Honorable Mention. Congratulations to all!

District Choice Fairs scheduled

From BPS Press Release

VIERA—The fifth annual Choice Fair will be held at the Melbourne Square Mall on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, and at the Merritt Square Mall on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Informational booths will feature choice schools, magnet schools, career and technical academies, middle schools, high schools and charter schools.

This year’s goal is to raise awareness about the district’s Secondary Schools of National Prominence (SSNP) initiative, and to allow parents the chance to peruse the career academies, major areas of interest, and the new course offerings at the secondary school level. Also, the Office of School Choice wants to showcase the students, teachers, and administrators who work diligently throughout our district to strive to be first in Florida.

“This year offers even more educational options available for families,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard A. DiPatri. “The fair will also focus on assisting students in choosing which high school or middle school they would like to attend. The Office of School Choice personnel will be there to explain all the options—magnets, charters, schools of choice and choice programs.”

School Choice will sponsor student performances near Macy’s at both malls. They include musical theatre, dance, flag and rifle, modeling, singing, and others.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to feature innovative school programs to meet the interests and needs of all students,” said Vicki Mace, director of the Office of School Choice.

If you would like more information, please call the BPS Office of School Choice at (321) 633-1000 ext. 395.

The problem for prospective MYP and IB parents who aren’t already at Cocoa Beach is that they will not know until after the school board meeting/public hearing on January 22nd what their options actually are. Still, these choice fairs are the best chance to actually go out and talk to representatives from each school and get your other (non-zoning related) questions answered.

Lombardozzi named FL Today Swimmer of the Year

from floridatoday.com:
Travis Lombardozzi is often wet behind the ears.As a swimmer, that is expected. Yet in the figurative sense, the Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High senior fits this description, as well.

Fran Siljestrom was named Coach of the year. Congratulations to Travis and Coach Siljestrom!

Video Gallery

Photo Gallery

School break raises concerns in other counties

From Palm Beach Post:

This time last year, semester exams were behind them and Palm Beach County middle and high school students were starting winter break with a clean slate.

A change in state law pushed back the start of school this year, and that left too little time to fit in a full semester before the holidays. So now, after two weeks off, students will return to a quick review and a week of exams.

Palm Beach County’s “quick review” is a full week after they get back, as is Orange County’s, not the single day of exam review Brevard County kids are getting.

Palm Beach County school calendar

Orange County school calendar

New IB probation policy takes effect in January

If you have an IB student, be sure to ask them for a copy of the new IB probation policy which takes effect in January. It wasn’t distributed to parents or posted online, but kids were asked to sign off on it just before school let out for the holidays. Major points include a sort of pre-probation based on poor interim reports or “any” disciplinary issues, and new attendance policies that lead to probation that can lead to dismissal from IB within just one semester. This is definitely something parents will want to be informed about.

DiPatri moving ahead to fill Area 2 slot, maybe

from floridatoday.com:

one of eight candidates will be chosen to become Brevard Public Schools’ newest area superintendent, overseeing 18,000 students at two dozen district schools in North Melbourne, Viera, Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach.

Strong showing in All-Space Coast Golf

Olivia Lugar and Heather Baker were named to the first team All-Space Coast in Girls Golf with Holly Gregory named as Coach of the Year. Lauren Leasure and Katrina Kozer also made Honorable Mention with Cody Geiger named Honorable Mention over on the Boys side. Congrats to all on another great season.

floridatoday.com coverage

Chorus seeing stars over the holidays

Our high school chorus, having been named a Disney Honor Choir is being transported to EPCOT to perform 4 times this holiday season. They have already taken the stage with celebrity narrators Kirk Cameron and Edward James Almos. On Christmas Eve they will sing behind Gary Sinise of CSI:New York. Congratulations to Mr. Grogan and all the chorus members who worked so hard all semester to earn this honor and represent Cocoa Beach so well.

Kyla Horn named District Sunshine State Scholar

Kyla Horn was named one of 2 Sunshine State Scholars for the Brevard school district. She will compete in Regionals on Wednesday, January 9th. Good luck, Kyla!