SCHOOLS
SILVER PALMS ELEMENTARY WELCOMES FLANAGAN UTAP
By Paul Brancaccio
Pe m bro ke P in e s S p o r t s & A c t i v i t i e s D i r e c t o r y
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hat began as a simple initiative to “grow new teachers” by the Broward County School Board has evolved into something extraordinary at Flanagan High School. The Urban Teacher Academy Program (UTAP), under the direction of Mrs. Kristine Knapp, has become a close-knit community of students with a common interest in education. Throughout this year, UTAP students will be visiting four elementary schools (Pasadena Lakes, Palm Cove, Pembroke Lakes, Silver Palms) and Walter C. Young Middle School. They play multiple roles throughout their time in the program. First year UTAP students reinforce material already being taught by constructing creative lessons to tackle the subject from a different angle. Second year students mentor third graders and prepare them for incoming standardized testing. Third year students teach second graders an anti-bullying curriculum to combat the bullying epidemic that has become an infamous aspect of the school system. Finally, fourth year students move on to tutor middle schoolers in areas of difficulty. Their latest partner is Silver Palms Elementary, where the motto is “preparing for tomorrow through excellence today.” Silver Palms is delighted to embark on this new journey with UTAP. “Creating mentorship opportunities is a mutually benefiting relationship for our students. Our students look forward to their weekly meeting with their older counterparts. “Being able to grow these relationships within our building will work to strengthen the K-12 bond within our feeder pattern,” commented Mrs. Arnaez. The class allows potential teachers to discover their compatibility with the profession, and for many taking this class, solidifies their decision to become teachers. But, for some students, being in UTAP illuminates previously unthought-of possibilities. “UTAP made me finalize my decision to be a teacher and I value the stability I have now with my career choice.” says Karen Argüelles, a senior who joined UTAP last year. “I might not be sure on what grade level, but I am sure that I want to wake up every morning, dress ‘business casual,’ pick up my Teacher’s Edition textbooks and last week’s homework assignments, and head over to the school that holds the students that I will care for and help in any and every way.” In their own high school, UTAP students have a significant presence. Once a year, they are
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The City of Pembroke Pines Police Department held its inaugural Student of the Month Ceremony honoring nineteen students in neighborhood schools at the Pembroke Pines Police Department Headquarters on September 22, 2015. Students of the Month were nominated by their respective teachers based on criteria set forth by the Pembroke Pines Police Department: exemplary behavior, good citizenship, being a good role model and bravery just to name a few. Pembroke Lakes Elementary School was proud to honor Terrell Stewart as the September candidate. Terrell was recognized for his willingness to help others and his extraordinary behavior. He is a true role model to his peers. During the October ceremony, Daniel Albert was recognized for his passion for learning and his determination. Daniel reminds students and adults through his actions to be persistent and never give up regardless of the challenges we are faced with in life. Ashton Pleimann was the November candidate, honored for his good character and going above and beyond for his classmates. “I am proud of all of these students. “They never let obstacles stand in their way of success and understand the importance of being a good person. Not only do they serve as role models for their peers, but for the adults that have the pleasure to share their day with them as well,” commented Sandra R. Shipman, Principal. Pembroke Lakes Elementary School also hosts a Kids of Character ceremony each month. One child from each class is recognized for remarkable behavior aligned to the month’s character trait. In addition to this monthly ceremony, students now have the opportunity to be
granted the opportunity to shadow a faculty member at their school for an entire day. From working with the cafeteria staff to prepare and serve lunch to following school administrators as they observe a classroom, this project has a broad scope of possibilities and is an enjoyable occasion for both the students and faculty. “The shadowing program that the students take part in is such a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved,” says Ms. Cassia Laham, a U.S. History and AP Government teacher who was shadowed last year. “It is such an uplifting feeling to know that, despite the well-known hardships facing public schools and teachers at the moment, there are still many students who are inspired to teach. The students in UTAP are excited by the opportunity to help others and they show it each time they go out and teach new concepts to entire classrooms filled with children and teenagers. And they do so with patience and pride. These kids are energetic and passionate, and they take the program very seriously. It is THOSE very students that go on to make the best teachers!” Upon concluding the program, a portfolio is made by the students to exemplify their progression. Student work, lesson plans, and in-class activities are all accumulated into a binder, which the students are able to present during job interviews to highlight their experience. Lorrie Hale, a UTAP graduate, describes how her portfolio helped her land a job at a local daycare. “When I applied for Bright Beginnings, I brought in my portfolio to show them lesson plans I’ve written and the field experiences I had at the elementary schools… It’s a great asset for future career interviews and more!” Valeria Reyes, a freshman beginning the program, expressed her excitement about what’s to come for her. “We all really come together as a family in this class,” she enthused. “The class emphasizes teamwork, and I look forward to continuing this journey from now through senior year.” “As a product of the Broward County School System myself, it is an absolute privilege to facilitate this program in my Alma Mater, Flanagan High School.” says Mrs. Knapp, UTAP’s proud sponsor. “I look forward to the day we can hire one of my former UTAP students at FHS. How neat, to bring the program full circle!”
By Tina Strauss
honored by the City of Pembroke Pines Police for their overall outstanding character and citizenship. “It’s an exciting event for our children to meet the Mayor, Police Chief, and of course, McGruff the Crime Dog. “We would like to thank Officer Lima for organizing such a positive program for the students of Pembroke Pines,” added Principal Shipman. beginning the program, expressed her excitement about what’s to come for her. “We all really come together as a family in this class,” she enthused. “The class emphasizes teamwork, and I look forward to continuing this journey from now through senior year.” “As a product of the Broward County School System myself, it is an absolute privilege to facilitate this program in my Alma Mater, Flanagan High School.” says Mrs. Knapp, UTAP’s proud sponsor. “I look forward to the day we can hire one of my former UTAP students at FHS. How neat, to bring the program full circle!”