The Panther Post ~ Issue I ~ January 2023 ~ Hollywood Hills Elementary

KID ON THE STREET

WHAT IS A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU?

Everyone at HHE has something about them that makes them unique. The Panther Post interviewed HHE students by asking them, “What is a fun fact about you?” and here are their responses:

PHOENIX KINDERGARTEN

“Sometimes I do fun things – I go to the playground and make the slide into a water slide.”

SABRINA THIRD GRADE

“I know three languages: Russian, Spanish, and English,”

BEATRIZ

FOURTH GRADE

“I play sports. I play basketball and football. It’s fun. I’m good at shooting, guarding, and catching.”

MARIANNIE SECOND GRADE

“I like to do holiday crafts. I like to make beautiful crafts for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, and Mother’s Day for my mom and dad.”

LIAM FIRST GRADE

“I like to run, swim, go biking, and climb stuff.”

GIOVANNA

SECOND GRADE

“I have four birds. One is Marshmallow.”

BELLA FIFTH GRADE

“I like art so I draw and make stuff. I like art because it is a way to express people’s emotions and feelings.”

JACE FOURTH GRADE

“I love math because I’m good at it.”

ARYANNE THIRD GRADE

“I like to play a lot of games like hide-andseek and tag. I like drawing people in high heels. I like reading very big books.”

Ready, Set, Read Kindergarten students participate in Read for the Record

Kindergarteners participated in Read for the Record on October 27, 2022. Read for the Record brought millions of people together to read the book, “Nigel and the Moon” written by Antwan Eady.

HHE had guest readers visit the classrooms. The readers included the City of Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy, Principal Fossas, Literacy Coach Mrs. Kraus, and school counselor Mrs. Turner.

“I think Read for the Record is important because it shows that reading is for everyone,” Principal Fossas said. “Adults are excited to read and hopefully that makes children want to be lifelong readers too.”

HHE was lucky to have Mayor Levy as a special guest reader.

“I enjoyed seeing the students reactions, laughs, suspense, and enjoyment while reading the book,” Mayor Levy said.

Read for the Record is an important event because it encourages kids to celebrate reading. “Nigel and the Moon” is a book that helps children dream big.

“Nigel wanted to be a superhero, astronaut, or a dancer,” kindergarten student Olive said. “I want to be a veterinarian because I like animals.”

At the beginning of the story, Nigel was afraid to share his ideas with others.

“He was scared to tell his friends what he dreamed about because he was scared that they would laugh at

Exclusive Interview

How does it feel to be the mayor?

“It feels great to be the Mayor of Hollywood, Florida because we have a great city with great people who live here. I enjoy the job, taking care of our city, and making good things happen for the kids and families here in Hollywood.”

what is your background?

“I grew up in Hollywood, Florida since I was three years old. My favorite thing to do growing up was riding my bike in the neighborhood and being outside and playing outdoors. For elementary and middle school, I went to Beth Shalom Academy. I went to Hollywood Hills High School and the University of Florida. I went to law school at Nova Southeastern University.”

What do you do as the mayor?

him,” kindergarten student Emilia said. As the story continues, Nigel learns the importance of not being afraid to speak up.

“He finally told his class what he dreamed of because he saw his dad and his mom tell the people in the class about their jobs,” kindergarten student Lina said. “I liked when he told the truth.”

Kindergarteners were inspired by the story of the young boy, Nigel, who had big dreams and ideas for his future.

“My favorite part was when Nigel imagined that he was sitting on the moon. When I grow up I want to be an astronaut because I want to go to the moon,” kindergarten student Quamani said.

By alfred, Emma K, Emma M, and Tia

“As the mayor of Hollywood, I serve as the chief elected official of our city. My job is to represent the residents of Hollywood, and to make sure that the laws that we pass and the money we spend is most beneficial and in the best interest of the people who live in Hollywood.

what is your advice to students?

“My best advice is to just enjoy yourselves. Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves, but be responsible kids. Try to spend time playing outside or doing things that don’t involve your phone, because you have your whole life to be on the phone. The more you can play with one another, talk to other people, have playdates, ride your bike outside, go to the beach, and do active things, the better.”

with City of Hollywood, FL Mayor Josh Levy

INTERVIEW BY THE PANTHER POST STAFF

SCHOOL COUNSELOR MRS. TURNER READING “NIGEL AND THE MOON.”

CITY OF HOLLYWOOD MAYOR JOSH LEVY READING TO HHE KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS.

HHE PRINCIPAL FOSSAS READING “NIGEL AND THE MOON.”

STEP DAVID

Students learn and make projects during Hispanic Heritage Month INTO HISTORY

Third grade dual language students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by presenting projects in HHE’s cafeteria. Hispanic Heritage Month first began in 1968 as a week-long celebration. In 1988, it was extended to a month. From September 15 to October 15, the third grade dual language students researched and learned all about important Hispanic people.

“We did a project called Step into History,” third grade dual language teacher Mrs. Martinez said. “The students had to research influential Hispanic people, write reports, and create posters that they presented to teach others.”

HHE students, staff members, parents, and grandparents attended this event. They learned important information about Hispanic individuals.

“I learned that there are a lot of important Hispanic Americans and they contributed to the heritage of the United States,” grandmother of third grade student Cooper, Judy Weinstein said.

Third grade parents also realized the importance of learning about Hispanic history.

“They are minorities and have had a lot of accomplishments. I think it is very important that they know that the sky is the limit on what they want to achieve in the world. I learned that there is a lot to learn about history,” mother of third grade student Zoey, Stacey Montanez said.

Learning about Hispanic individuals that have had a positive impact on our world is very important. Sharing that information with others is even better.

“The students celebrated the Hispanic culture which consists of Hispanic food, traditions, language, people, and the community. It helps us feel proud of our Hispanic heritage,” third grade dual langauge teacher Ms. Gonzalez said.

By Braxton, Catherine, Maria, and sebastian

LIN MANUEL MIRANDA

“I researched Lin Manuel Miranda and I learned that he is most famous for movies, musicals, and plays.”

LILY FRIDA KAHLO

“I researched Frida Kahlo and I learned that she was a very famous painter mostly known for her self-portraits.”

DANTE

JORGE RAMOS

“I researched Jorge Ramos. He was a Spanish-language news anchor and journalist. He has covered some of the most important news stories.”

YES PETS

Imagine being sad in a classroom and a dog comes to comfort you. This could happen if pets were allowed in schools. Having a pet in classrooms could help with building self-esteem and learning.

“It can promote responsibility, teach children about being nurturing, and help improve self-esteem,” school counselor Mrs. Turner said. “Pets can become your friends. They can help with emotional support. If you are feeling sad, you can talk to your pet.”

Pets can be wonderful companions to make someone feel better. They can sit alongside the students to help them feel calm.

“Pets can help kids calm down when they are sad,” fifth grade student Amy said. “Recent studies have

Imagine walking into class and seeing frogs jumping on desks! Pets should not be allowed in school because it’s unfair to animals, distracting, and a health risk to people who are allergic.

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, pets are often neglected and not cared for properly. There are many times when they are left alone or forgotten. This is unfair to them and could happen at school during breaks.

“There are many drawbacks,” fourth grade teacher Mrs. Lucas said. “The number

Pets should be allowed in classrooms

shown that having an animal next to you will calm you down and make you feel better. Pets can cheer you up.”

Pets can also get you excited to learn. This will make it easier to teach students because they will be more interested in learning.

“I think it would help me learn scientific facts about them,” third grade student Sean said.

According to the 2019 Pets in the Classroom Survey, teachers saw 78% academic improvement when having a pet in the classroom. Pets help students learn responsibility and learn about animals. With the benefits of improving self-esteem and learning, pets should be allowed in the classroom.

By Christine, Jabeen, Kai, Salome, and Vanessa

student Raelyn said. “Everyone was obsessed with it and always wanted to be near it. It was a bit distracting.”

Taking care of an animal is a huge responsibility. Some individuals might not know how to provide for the animal.

“The kids would need to take care of it,” third grade student Sean said. “The kids might give the animal too much food.”

one drawback is concerning who will take care of the pet on the weekends and days off from school.”

Classroom pets can also be distracting when students are trying to take a test or do their school work. The pet could make noise or need food while students are trying to learn.

“In my second grade class, we did have a pet fish,” third grade

Pets should not be allowed in classrooms

Having animals in the classroom can cause health risks to students that are allergic. According to Sandra Hong, MD, “Allergy and asthma triggers not only create physical discomfort for children, but can even affect their schoolwork.”

Pets cause distractions, are a health risk, and need to be taken care of constantly. Classroom pets are not a good idea and should not be allowed in classrooms.

By Athena, Kortni, Lucca, Max, & Roxana

NO PETS

HHE collects teddy bears to give to children in emergency situations

HHE students and staff donated teddy bears to Taylor’s Teddy Bears, Inc. to honor the life of Taylor Wade Bishop, Ms. Kiki’s son. Taylor loved teddy bears, especially Chevy, who was given to him as a present on his third birthday. Taylor took Chevy with him wherever he went and enjoyed goodnight kisses from him before bedtime. The teddy bears that were collected will be given to first responders to distribute to kids in need. First responders are people who are trained to respond to an emergency. First responders include police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.

Taylor & Chevy

“It helps the first responders, but it also brings communities together by donating teddy bears to give out to children in emergency situations,” Founder and President of Taylor’s Teddy Bears, Inc., Ms. Kiki, said. Student Council organized this collection by encouraging students to donate teddy bears. Collection boxes were created and placed in each classroom, as well as the media center and school office.

“We chose Taylor’s Teddy Bears to support kids that might be sad or scared,” Student Council President Santino said. Students are excited to help communities and give

back by donating teddy bears.

“I will donate teddy bears to help kids in need. I will help the community by donating teddy bears because it will help children feel safer and calmer,” fifth grade student Coral said.

Taylor’s Teddy Bears was created by Ms. Kiki with the idea of helping others. HHE’s participation will help children feel better when in an emergency situation. “My hope is that whenever a child is hurt or scared, the teddy bear that they receive will bring them comfort. Just like Chevy did for Taylor, and now me,” Ms. Kiki said.

Taylor Wade Bishop was full of love, told the best jokes, and had the brightest smile. Tragically, on March 15, 2021, Taylor, at the young age of four, was taken away from us. Taylor was in the car with his favorite bear Chevy when the accident occurred and Chevy was safely returned to Ms. Kiki. HHE remembers Taylor and the legacy he leaves behind.

By Alexia, Angelo, Angely, and lennon

STARS OF HOLLYWOOD

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Mrs. Schlichte

“I am very excited and very honored to be Teacher of the Year. There are so many wonderful teachers that are so dedicated and hardworking that I feel like any one of them could be Teacher of the Year. I have been teaching for 31 years. This is my 15th year at HHE. My favorite part of working at this school is undeniably all the people within the walls of HHE. I feel that this is not just a school, it’s a family and we are on a team. We work together, we play together, we take care of each other, we help each other learn, and that’s what it’s all about.”

SCHOOL RELATED EMPLOYEE

OF THE YEAR

Ms. Kiki

“I am very honored to be selected as School Related Employee of the Year because there are so many hard-working staff members at this school, so I am very honored to be nominated. This is my 8th school year at Hollywood Hills Elementary. I love being around all the kids. They definitely fill my heart with so much love. I love working with the staff because they make every day so much fun.”

ALL interviews BY the panther post staff

SPOTLIGHT ON

STORYBOOK PARADE CHARACTERS

ALL interviews BY the panther post

“I was Wonder Woman. I like when she turns into a superhero. I liked dressing up.”

-cerynitee

“I have Hulk gloves, a mask, and a t-shirt. That’s the best costume I have. Hulk is the strongest guy in the whole wide world.”

-BENJAMIN

“This year, 2nd grade teachers dressed up as the Little Miss characters. I was Little Miss Awesome because I like to think that I am awesome.” -mrs. stella

“I dressed up as the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz. I got to see my sister during the parade.”

-leigh

“I dressed up as Dorothy. I like the book. I liked the character parade because we walked and everyone saw us.” -sarah

“I was the Cat in the Hat. My favorite part was the music in the parade.”

-vanessa

“I was Cat in the Hat. I see him in the book everyday. He is so crazy. He does silly things.”

-ALEX

“I was Camilla from the book, ‘A Bad Case of Stripes.’ It is one of my favorite books. I liked the blow-up costumes in the parade.”

-giselle

“I was Princess Tiana becausesheismyfavorite princess.Ilikedtosee other kids’ costumes. PrincessTianatriestohelp herfamily.”

-STORM

“I chose Where’s Waldo because I used to watch it in my childhood and it was a great show that inspired me to do better. I liked how everybody got to wear their own costumes, it just shows off their expression.”

-alonzo

HHE hosted a Storybook Parade where students and staff dressed up as their favorite storybook characters. The Panther Post interviewed students and teachers who wore creative costumes and here is what they had to say:

staff

TAYLOR’S TEDDY BEARS

MATTHEW

JOHNNEDG KINDERGARTEN, MS. MORRIS

VALENTINA THIRD GRADE, MS. GONZALEZ

ALBA THIRD GRADE, MRS. TORO

ABIGAIL SECOND GRADE, MRS. MAXIM

ANTONIO

GRADE, MRS. BUDD

GRADE, MRS. PACHECO

MAKENZIE THIRD GRADE, MS. GONZALEZ

GABRIELLA FIFTH GRADE, MRS. VALENS

JASON KINDERGARTEN, MRS. MALHAO

KAYLA SECOND GRADE, MS. ROSENDE

ARIA

KING XAVIER FIRST GRADE, MRS. GELLMAN

ROZANE THIRD GRADE, MR. SKOPIT CONTEST

SKY FOURTH GRADE, MRS. FRANCOIS

WINNERS