Take A
Closer Look
You Will Like
What You See
Spotlight on Students
“When communicating your thoughts
with others, keep in mind that the quality
of your content and delivery of your
presentation are equally important.”
This bit of advice learned from one of
his mentor instructors has served to
catapult Andrew Caputo from a hardworking freshman at Fort Pierce Central
High School to an accomplished senior
Andrew Caputo who was recently invited to share his
award-winning essay about one of his
inspirational instructors and speak before an audience of over
3,000 at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational
Development Conference in Austin, Texas. Another of his
published works, “Analyzing the Fallacy of Demanding
Perfection” in the International Journal of Philosophical Practice
has earned him the prestige of being this publication’s youngest
author.
Andrew thrives on maintaining an extraordinary schedule that
includes a balance of rigorous academics with challenging
athletics. In addition to actively participating in the Aeronautics
Academy at Fort Pierce Central High School, earning an
Associate of Arts degree from Indian River State College
through his dual enrollment efforts, and co-founding the
school’s BETA Club, he has relentlessly pursued his passion
for ice hockey since the age of four by competing on travel
teams and in invitational tournaments. When specifically asked
about his biggest challenge, Andrew immediately identified time
management. “It is not something I have been able to manage
gracefully or flawlessly. There have been many lessons learned,
but not everything is perfect, and I also see failure as a learning
opportunity.”
With this spirit of learning from life experiences and from
life influencers such as his teachers to whom Andrew gives
credit, this future leader is pursuing as well as being pursued
by prestigious universities. For him, the selection process is
meticulous as he is the interviewee as well as the interviewer
for institutions such as Embry Riddle, Boston University, and
Cornell. As a senior with the doorway to graduation welcoming
him, he knows how working hard has paid off, and he wants to
ensure that his selection meets the stringent criteria for a robust
undergraduate degree in physics and an advanced degree in
law or public policy so he can make a difference in the world.
Join the more than one million
families who have resolved to save
for college with Florida Prepaid.
Among the many New Year’s resolutions on your list for 2016,
have you included the most important one of all? Start a college
savings account.
Take a Closer Look at
St. Lucie Public Schools
Imagine giving the gift of a college education -- for just $53 a
month for the next 18 years. That’s about how much it costs to
purchase a 2-Year Florida College Plan for a newborn.
• According to a study by Georgetown University, an individual
with a bachelor’s degree can earn up to $1.6 million more over
their lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma.
• According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and
the Workforce, it is estimated that two-thirds of job openings
will require postsecondary education within the next five years.
By starting your child a college savings account, you are
sending a very clear and important message: We expect you to
go to college, and we are committed to saving for that goal. That
expectation will serve as a constant whispering reminder of why
their homework, study periods and test performance matters.
The Florida Prepaid College Board makes the process of saving
for college more affordable by allowing families to prepay, on a
monthly or lump-sum basis, the future cost of college tuition and
specified fees. Save earlier, pay less per month. We have five
Florida Prepaid Plans starting at just $46 a month this year. The
1-Year Florida University Plan is the most affordable Prepaid
Plan and allows extended family members or friends to each
purchase a year of college toward the same beneficiary.
Open Enrollment runs through February 29, 2016. Use the promo
code STLUC1516 when buying a plan at myfloridaprepaid.com
to receive a free gift!
This program is brought to you in partnership with the St. Lucie
Education Foundation. The only local not for profit foundation
dedicated solely to advancing public education one child, one
teacher, one classroom, and one school at a time.
St. Lucie Public Schools • 4204 Okeechobee Road • Fort Pierce, FL 34947
772-429-3600 • www.stlucieschools.org
Stay up-to-date with current and real time occurrences in
St. Lucie Public Schools. Join us on Facebook,Twitter & Linkedin today.
Each Child, Every Day.
Destination Graduation
Graduation Rates Continue to Climb in
St. Lucie Public Schools
With a strong focus on quality instruction in our
classrooms, talent growth opportunities for our dedicated
staff, and high expectations for graduating all students
with skills for college and career readiness, St. Lucie
Public Schools is demonstrating tremendous gains. Our
graduation rate continues to rise (11.8% over the last
6 years), our innovative classroom teaching and learning
resources and opportunities continue to expand, and our
students’ accomplishments continue to make their mark
at local, state, and national levels. This momentum is a
testament to the dedication and leadership of our team
members.
“Our students and our community
deserve the delivery of a world class
education system. SLPS has made
positive strides over the past year …
graduation rate is an area where we
MUST experience significant growth.”
February 2016
St. Lucie Public Schools Vision
St. Lucie Public Schools, in partnership with
parents and community, will become premier
centers of knowledge that are organized
around students and the work provided to
them. Our name will be synonymous with
the continuous improvement of student
achievement and the success of each
individual. Our promise is to move from
good to great focusing on our core business,
the creation of challenging, engaging and
satisfying work for each child, every day. This
is the St. Lucie Way!
St. Lucie Public Schools Mission
The mission of the St. Lucie Public Schools
is to ensure all students graduate from
safe and caring schools equipped with the
knowledge, skills and desire to succeed.
- E. Wayne Gent
Take A
Clo
oser Look
You Will Like
What You See
Take A
Closer Look
You Will Like
What You See
Take A
Closer Look
You Will Like
What You See
REGISTRATION AND SCHOOL CHOICE
2016-2017 School Year Open Enrollment Period
Elementary and Middle School Applications will be available
and accepted:
March 1 – 18, 2016
Elementary Applications
Available March 1
Middle School Applications
Available March 1
High School Applications
Students are automatically assigned to their zone school.
Required Age to Start School
• Kindergarten – Your child must be 5 YEARS OLD on or
before SEPTEMBER 1.
• First Grade – Your child must be 6 YEARS OLD on or
before SEPTEMBER 1 and must have attended
kindergarten.
Note: There is no early entrance for kindergarten or
first grade students.
• VPK – Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program: Your child
must be 4 YEARS OLD on or before SEPTEMBER 1.
Please call the Early Learning Coalition at
772-595-6424, ext. 122 for information or go to
http://www.elcslc.org/home.php
About School Choice
The district offers regional school zones rather than
neighborhood schools. This assignment process allows
for preference to be given to families who have siblings
currently attending the school or live within two miles of
a school. It also enables the district to offer more choices
to parents and best utilize school facilities. Unlike many
high-growth school systems, we do not have to re-district
when an area grows beyond the capacity of the school in
that neighborhood.
The Benefits of School Choice
• Once a student is assigned to a school, he/she does
not have to leave unless the family chooses to change
schools or the family moves into another choice zone.
• School Choice is fair to all students, allowing them
equal opportunity to select from all schools within
their zone.
Because we understand that selecting a school for your child is an
important decision, the professional
staff at the Student Assignment Office is available to discuss your
options and assist you through the application process.
Please contact us at
(772) 429-3930 or email student.assignment@stlucieschools.org
Early Literacy – An Early Start to Life Long Learning
A strong early learning initiative, “St. Lucie Soars,” has grown in St. Lucie Public Schools
(SLPS) for the last four years through the District’s partnership with Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt. When asked why early learning is important to the overall educational needs
of children, Early Childhood Coordinator Dr. Huffstetter stated that children who receive
high-quality early learning experiences and opportunities experience greater success
in kindergarten and in their subsequent school careers. “This is why we feel it is so
important to provide on-going opportunities to learn and collaborate with one another. We want the very best for our
children.”
SLPS supports 18 Title One VPK classrooms and the District works hand in hand with the Early Learning Coalition and
ALPI Head Start to support consistent instructional practices and provide quality resources for teaching and learning.
The VPK Program is a free prekindergarten program for four-year-olds who reside in Florida and were born on or before
September 1.
Here to Help...
Parent Academy of St. Lucie County can help you make
good choices for your family, both today and tomorrow.
How do I… Improve my child’s language and reading development?
Learn more about graduation requirements? Find helpful tools to
manage my child’s behavior and social development? Learn about
credit and my credit report? Improve my job readiness skills?
Learn… with Parent Academy Workshops. Parent Academy workshops
provide individualized adult learning opportunities, and events are
available to help you improve yourself, your family, and your future. From
assistance in learning English to workshops and events throughout
the community, to hands-on computer training in our state-of-the-art
computer lab, the Parent Academy offers a variety of accessible, free
opportunities to learn.
Phone: 772.466.0523
http://www.parentacademyslc.org/
Spotlight on Students
There will be no lazy days of summer for St. Lucie West
Centennial High School Senior Prince Edouard. After
graduation, he anticipates getting a jump start on his Cornell
University experience by attending a summer program that
begins in June. “I am looking forward to going away to college,
being on my own, and being responsible for everything,” said
Edouard.
Responsibility has been his strong suit. After moving from New
York to St. Lucie County when he was 12, Edouard said he had
Prince Edouard a little catching up to do. He completed a few intensive classes
in middle school, connected with some influential teachers, and
with academic momentum on his side, began taking advanced classes.
As a high school freshman at Centennial, he appreciated the guidance and continual
encouragement of his teachers and the opportunity to take Advanced Placement classes.
“During my sophomore year, AP World History really set the tone for me. I understood
what Advanced Placement was all about.” Since then, his class schedule has been laden
with AP courses both on campus and online. “Initially, they were harder than I expected,”
he explained, “But I just set out to re-organize my time and manage my work.” Being on
the honor roll each semester, an officer in the National Honor Society, and among the top
scholars in his class are proof that his work ethic has paid off.
When he started researching the criteria he needed for the colleges he wanted to apply
to, he again shared his appreciation for what his teachers did for him. He gave credit to his
speech teacher for helping to coach him on taking the SAT, and he expressed thanks to his
chemistry instructor and the school’s media specialist for writing letters of recommendation
to Cornell.
The efforts have paid off for this focused and motivated student. He expects to complete a
Bachelors in Chemistry at Cornell and continue his education in medicine. Focusing on his
grandmother as inspiration, he looks forward to being “that someone” who can help others.
SLPS
To Go
Mobile
App
The SLPSTo Go
Mobile App for your
smartphone or tablet
is the fastest and
easiest way for you
to access the latest
information about St.
Lucie Public Schools
any time!
Free for anyone.
SLPSTo Go gets you
the information you
need, when you need
it!
Take A
Closer Look
You Will Like
What You See
Take A
Closer Look
You Will Like
What You See
REGISTRATION AND SCHOOL CHOICE
2016-2017 School Year Open Enrollment Period
Elementary and Middle School Applications will be available
and accepted:
March 1 – 18, 2016
Elementary Applications
Available March 1
Middle School Applications
Available March 1
High School Applications
Students are automatically assigned to their zone school.
Required Age to Start School
• Kindergarten – Your child must be 5 YEARS OLD on or
before SEPTEMBER 1.
• First Grade – Your child must be 6 YEARS OLD on or
before SEPTEMBER 1 and must have attended
kindergarten.
Note: There is no early entrance for kindergarten or
first grade students.
• VPK – Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program: Your child
must be 4 YEARS OLD on or before SEPTEMBER 1.
Please call the Early Learning Coalition at
772-595-6424, ext. 122 for information or go to
http://www.elcslc.org/home.php
About School Choice
The district offers regional school zones rather than
neighborhood schools. This assignment process allows
for preference to be given to families who have siblings
currently attending the school or live within two miles of
a school. It also enables the district to offer more choices
to parents and best utilize school facilities. Unlike many
high-growth school systems, we do not have to re-district
when an area grows beyond the capacity of the school in
that neighborhood.
The Benefits of School Choice
• Once a student is assigned to a school, he/she does
not have to leave unless the family chooses to change
schools or the family moves into another choice zone.
• School Choice is fair to all students, allowing them
equal opportunity to select from all schools within
their zone.
Because we understand that selecting a school for your child is an
important decision, the professional
staff at the Student Assignment Office is available to discuss your
options and assist you through the application process.
Please contact us at
(772) 429-3930 or email student.assignment@stlucieschools.org
Early Literacy – An Early Start to Life Long Learning
A strong early learning initiative, “St. Lucie Soars,” has grown in St. Lucie Public Schools
(SLPS) for the last four years through the District’s partnership with Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt. When asked why early learning is important to the overall educational needs
of children, Early Childhood Coordinator Dr. Huffstetter stated that children who receive
high-quality early learning experiences and opportunities experience greater success
in kindergarten and in their subsequent school careers. “This is why we feel it is so
important to provide on-going opportunities to learn and collaborate with one another. We want the very best for our
children.”
SLPS supports 18 Title One VPK classrooms and the District works hand in hand with the Early Learning Coalition and
ALPI Head Start to support consistent instructional practices and provide quality resources for teaching and learning.
The VPK Program is a free prekindergarten program for four-year-olds who reside in Florida and were born on or before
September 1.
Here to Help...
Parent Academy of St. Lucie County can help you make
good choices for your family, both today and tomorrow.
How do I… Improve my child’s language and reading development?
Learn more about graduation requirements? Find helpful tools to
manage my child’s behavior and social development? Learn about
credit and my credit report? Improve my job readiness skills?
Learn… with Parent Academy Workshops. Parent Academy workshops
provide individualized adult learning opportunities, and events are
available to help you improve yourself, your family, and your future. From
assistance in learning English to workshops and events throughout
the community, to hands-on computer training in our state-of-the-art
computer lab, the Parent Academy offers a variety of accessible, free
opportunities to learn.
Phone: 772.466.0523
http://www.parentacademyslc.org/
Spotlight on Students
There will be no lazy days of summer for St. Lucie West
Centennial High School Senior Prince Edouard. After
graduation, he anticipates getting a jump start on his Cornell
University experience by attending a summer program that
begins in June. “I am looking forward to going away to college,
being on my own, and being responsible for everything,” said
Edouard.
Responsibility has been his strong suit. After moving from New
York to St. Lucie County when he was 12, Edouard said he had
Prince Edouard a little catching up to do. He completed a few intensive classes
in middle school, connected with some influential teachers, and
with academic momentum on his side, began taking advanced classes.
As a high school freshman at Centennial, he appreciated the guidance and continual
encouragement of his teachers and the opportunity to take Advanced Placement classes.
“During my sophomore year, AP World History really set the tone for me. I understood
what Advanced Placement was all about.” Since then, his class schedule has been laden
with AP courses both on campus and online. “Initially, they were harder than I expected,”
he explained, “But I just set out to re-organize my time and manage my work.” Being on
the honor roll each semester, an officer in the National Honor Society, and among the top
scholars in his class are proof that his work ethic has paid off.
When he started researching the criteria he needed for the colleges he wanted to apply
to, he again shared his appreciation for what his teachers did for him. He gave credit to his
speech teacher for helping to coach him on taking the SAT, and he expressed thanks to his
chemistry instructor and the school’s media specialist for writing letters of recommendation
to Cornell.
The efforts have paid off for this focused and motivated student. He expects to complete a
Bachelors in Chemistry at Cornell and continue his education in medicine. Focusing on his
grandmother as inspiration, he looks forward to being “that someone” who can help others.
SLPS
To Go
Mobile
App
The SLPSTo Go
Mobile App for your
smartphone or tablet
is the fastest and
easiest way for you
to access the latest
information about St.
Lucie Public Schools
any time!
Free for anyone.
SLPSTo Go gets you
the information you
need, when you need
it!
Take A
Closer Look
You Will Like
What You See
Spotlight on Students
“When communicating your thoughts
with others, keep in mind that the quality
of your content and delivery of your
presentation are equally important.”
This bit of advice learned from one of
his mentor instructors has served to
catapult Andrew Caputo from a hardworking freshman at Fort Pierce Central
High School to an accomplished senior
Andrew Caputo who was recently invited to share his
award-winning essay about one of his
inspirational instructors and speak before an audience of over
3,000 at the National Institute for Staff and Organizational
Development Conference in Austin, Texas. Another of his
published works, “Analyzing the Fallacy of Demanding
Perfection” in the International Journal of Philosophical Practice
has earned him the prestige of being this publication’s youngest
author.
Andrew thrives on maintaining an extraordinary schedule that
includes a balance of rigorous academics with challenging
athletics. In addition to actively participating in the Aeronautics
Academy at Fort Pierce Central High School, earning an
Associate of Arts degree from Indian River State College
through his dual enrollment efforts, and co-founding the
school’s BETA Club, he has relentlessly pursued his passion
for ice hockey since the age of four by competing on travel
teams and in invitational tournaments. When specifically asked
about his biggest challenge, Andrew immediately identified time
management. “It is not something I have been able to manage
gracefully or flawlessly. There have been many lessons learned,
but not everything is perfect, and I also see failure as a learning
opportunity.”
With this spirit of learning from life experiences and from
life influencers such as his teachers to whom Andrew gives
credit, this future leader is pursuing as well as being pursued
by prestigious universities. For him, the selection process is
meticulous as he is the interviewee as well as the interviewer
for institutions such as Embry Riddle, Boston University, and
Cornell. As a senior with the doorway to graduation welcoming
him, he knows how working hard has paid off, and he wants to
ensure that his selection meets the stringent criteria for a robust
undergraduate degree in physics and an advanced degree in
law or public policy so he can make a difference in the world.
Join the more than one million
families who have resolved to save
for college with Florida Prepaid.
Among the many New Year’s resolutions on your list for 2016,
have you included the most important one of all? Start a college
savings account.
Take a Closer Look at
St. Lucie Public Schools
Imagine giving the gift of a college education -- for just $53 a
month for the next 18 years. That’s about how much it costs to
purchase a 2-Year Florida College Plan for a newborn.
• According to a study by Georgetown University, an individual
with a bachelor’s degree can earn up to $1.6 million more over
their lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma.
• According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and
the Workforce, it is estimated that two-thirds of job openings
will require postsecondary education within the next five years.
By starting your child a college savings account, you are
sending a very clear and important message: We expect you to
go to college, and we are committed to saving for that goal. That
expectation will serve as a constant whispering reminder of why
their homework, study periods and test performance matters.
The Florida Prepaid College Board makes the process of saving
for college more affordable by allowing families to prepay, on a
monthly or lump-sum basis, the future cost of college tuition and
specified fees. Save earlier, pay less per month. We have five
Florida Prepaid Plans starting at just $46 a month this year. The
1-Year Florida University Plan is the most affordable Prepaid
Plan and allows extended family members or friends to each
purchase a year of college toward the same beneficiary.
Open Enrollment runs through February 29, 2016. Use the promo
code STLUC1516 when buying a plan at myfloridaprepaid.com
to receive a free gift!
This program is brought to you in partnership with the St. Lucie
Education Foundation. The only local not for profit foundation
dedicated solely to advancing public education one child, one
teacher, one classroom, and one school at a time.
St. Lucie Public Schools • 4204 Okeechobee Road • Fort Pierce, FL 34947
772-429-3600 • www.stlucieschools.org
Stay up-to-date with current and real time occurrences in
St. Lucie Public Schools. Join us on Facebook,Twitter & Linkedin today.
Each Child, Every Day.
Destination Graduation
Graduation Rates Continue to Climb in
St. Lucie Public Schools
With a strong focus on quality instruction in our
classrooms, talent growth opportunities for our dedicated
staff, and high expectations for graduating all students
with skills for college and career readiness, St. Lucie
Public Schools is demonstrating tremendous gains. Our
graduation rate continues to rise (11.8% over the last
6 years), our innovative classroom teaching and learning
resources and opportunities continue to expand, and our
students’ accomplishments continue to make their mark
at local, state, and national levels. This momentum is a
testament to the dedication and leadership of our team
members.
“Our students and our community
deserve the delivery of a world class
education system. SLPS has made
positive strides over the past year …
graduation rate is an area where we
MUST experience significant growth.”
February 2016
St. Lucie Public Schools Vision
St. Lucie Public Schools, in partnership with
parents and community, will become premier
centers of knowledge that are organized
around students and the work provided to
them. Our name will be synonymous with
the continuous improvement of student
achievement and the success of each
individual. Our promise is to move from
good to great focusing on our core business,
the creation of challenging, engaging and
satisfying work for each child, every day. This
is the St. Lucie Way!
St. Lucie Public Schools Mission
The mission of the St. Lucie Public Schools
is to ensure all students graduate from
safe and caring schools equipped with the
knowledge, skills and desire to succeed.
- E. Wayne Gent
Take A
Clo
oser Look
You Will Like
What You See