School Board Meeting Recap for Feb 8th

Posted on February 10th, 2011 by

Tuesday, February 8th, 2010 ,  was our school board’s regular board meeting.

The meeting began with the Academy of Environmental Science (AES) sharing its annual report.  AES is Citrus County’s first charter school and was established in 1999 through a partnership with individuals, organizations, agencies, and the Citrus County School Board.  AES is active in community events including Coastal Cleanup, Save Our Waters Week, National Wildlife Refuge Week, and Earth Day. Students who have attended the academy have received numerous awards in the Citrus County Regional and Florida Science and Engineering Fair, Regional and State Envirothon as well as many scholarships to post secondary institutions. All students between grades nine and twelve who have maintained a 2.0 or higher in their core courses and have passed an academy review of their discipline and attendance records are eligible to apply for enrollment into the academy.

Ben Stofcheck, Administrator for AES reports on AES at the School Board Meeting Feb 8, 2011

Mr. Ben Stofcheck, Administrator for AES,  reported that AES currently has approximately 96  students enrolled.  During the 2009-2010 school year, AES  student  progress maintained a remarkable average of 3.26 GPA  per  semester.  Mr. Stofcheck went on to share that AES again was the #1 high school at the 2010 Citrus Regional Science & Engineering Fair.  Six of the ten students selected for the 2010 State Science & Engineering Fair were from AES.  One of the two students selected for the INTEL International Science & Engineering Fair was from AES.   The ninth grade Algebra 1 team won 2nd place in the Citrus Math Field Day competition.  Mr. Stofcheck proudly reminded the board that AES was selected by the US News & World Report as one of the “Best 100 High Schools” in the United States.  AES board of directors is organizing a fund-raising dinner set for Feb. 26 at Sugarmill Woods Country Club in Homosassa. Proceeds benefit students, paying for things such as supplies, equipment, books, field trips  and shelves to create a library. The event includes a silent auction, cash bar ,  and live deejay. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person or $250 for a table. For reservations or more information, call 726-4093, ext. 4093, or 795-8703.

The very concerning news…  Executive Director of Business Services   Ken Blocker shared Governor Scott’s proposed  recommended educational budget.  If the Governor’s recommendations are approved in its current form, Citrus County Schools will face for the 2011-2012 school budget a $8.2 million dollar cut which is approximately 8% of the budget.   In my  personal opinion, this  is devastating to our students’  education and future.  I ask you to continue to monitor and stay informed on  the  Governor’s recommended budget.  We need for you to contact your legislators about the negative impact this budget will have on our student s’  education and future.

At the meeting several budget amendments were approved.  These amendments brought up at board meetings are often for prior approved purchases and fund reclassification.  The board also approved  the hiring of an engineering report on corrections needed for the parent pickup line at the Inverness Middle School.

The meeting ended with board member reports.  Member Linda Power reminded the public of the upcoming Purple Heart Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20th, 2011, at the Florida National Guard Armory in Crystal River.  Chairman Bill Murray shared about the annual Galaxy of Stars event to honor the 2012 Teacher of the Year and 2011 School-Related Employee of the Year.  Member Pat Deutschman shared about speaking before the Board of County Commissioners on the proposed Educational Impact Fee.  (More on the impact fee issue in the future.)

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ChronicleOnline: V. Lionel King- A musical treasure in Citrus County

Posted on February 9th, 2011 by

“I had the honor to first meet Mr. King about a year ago on my campaign trail.  He was gracious and of course had many wonderful teaching stories to tell.” ~Thomas

Lionel King loved music and students

By Nancy Kennedy
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 10:55 pm

When Lionel King first met the new pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hernando where he was choir director, he sized him up and then asked, “Do you know how copper wire was invented? Two Scottish men were arguing over a penny.”

“That was Lionel,” said the Rev. Kenneth Blyth in his native Scottish accent during Lionel’s memorial service Wednesday. “He had an endless supply of wit — and Scottish jokes. He was one of the world’s greatest storytellers, and he became your friend by telling stories. It was how he taught and how he communicated.

“There was truth and hope and grace and love in his stories, as well as in his music,” Blyth added.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE…

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Citrus School District Web Site: ‘NEW’ Daily News Today!

Posted on February 8th, 2011 by

District Web Site has new ‘District News Today’ section

Visit the Citrus County School District new Daily District News Today page.  It has postings from current and upcoming events and actives at our Citrus Schools.  Visit by go here: http://www.citruseducation.com/news/district_rss.htm

Let the community know about your unique School news/event. Click on image above and submit your school news item or if you just wish to arrange to have your event documented with photos and/or video.

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Student Services Week in the State of Florida February 7-11, 2011

Posted on February 7th, 2011 by

“Below is from Citrus Schools Director of Student Services, Regina Allegretta.” ~Thomas

February 7-11, 2011 is Student Services Week in the State of Florida.  Student Services consists of School Counselors, School Nurses, School Social Workers, School Psychologists, Attendance Assistants, and Career Education staff who offer support to Citrus County Schools.  Student Services support system is an integral part of the total public education system that enables students to learn and teachers to teach, and strengthens the engagement of families to schools, thus maximizing student achievement.    This week provides an opportunity for school personnel and other district personnel to focus attention and appreciation on those individuals who work with students, schools, parents, and local communities.  We encourage your recognition of these front-line champions.

ATTENDANCE ASSISTANTS

Attendance Assistants provide support and direction for resolving attendance issues.  They advise parents and students of their responsibilities with regard to productive attendance patterns, as well as encourage regular attendance and enforce procedures as indicted by the Florida Compulsory Attendance Law.  The District Student Services Department has the support of the following agencies when students and their families need remediation plans for attendance problems: State Attorney’s Office, Department of Children and Families, Department of Juvenile Justice, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and Youth and Family Alternatives.  If you have questions regarding Attendance Assistants, please call the Student Services Center, 527-0090.

GUIDANCE COUNSELORS

Guidance counselors promote student success through a focus on academic achievement, prevention and intervention activities, student advocacy, and social/personal/emotional/career development.  They work collaboratively with school staff, families, educational communities, and members of the local community to provide seamless transitions from school to school and school to career so that all students can be productive citizens.

HEALTH SERVICES

The goal of the Health Services Team is to provide a safe, healthy, positive learning environment that fosters student achievement.  There is a school nurse for every two schools in our district and a designated health room attendant in all of our schools.  Please see your school nurse for any health concerns you have about a student. Citrus County School Nurses will do everything in their power to assist him or her.  If you have questions regarding Health Services, please call 527-0090 ext. 232.

PARENT FACILITATORS

The Citrus County School District has two Parent Facilitators who act as liaisons between families, schools and service organizations/agencies to help provide the basic necessities for students. To reach one of the Parent Facilitators, please call the Student Services Center, 527-0090 ext. 233.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

School Psychologists serve as an invaluable resource by serving as consultants regarding any child.  Also, they provide direct intervention in academic, behavioral, and emotional concerns. They provide counseling to students as an intervention or to students in crisis situations.  A key role of the school psychologist is the evaluation of all students referred for psychological assessments to determine eligibility for ESE educational programs.  You can reach the Psychology Department at 726-1931 ext. 2338.

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS

The Citrus County School District has four School Social workers.  The School Social Workers provide crisis counseling for students, families, and staff when necessary.  They also provide general counseling for students and their families, linking them to service organizations and agencies.  Together, they closely work with Attendance Assistants and other staff on attendance issues, student neglect/abuse, and potential suicide.  Citrus County School’s Social Workers provide training throughout the school year to staff on various topics, which affect students.  If you have questions regarding School Social Workers, please call 527-0090.

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ChronicleOnline: Schools offer healthier, more diverse meal choices

Posted on February 3rd, 2011 by

No more “mystery meat”

Schools offer healthier, more diverse meal choices

By Amanda Mims

Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 10:43 pm

These probably aren’t the lunches you remember from elementary, middle and high school.

In the age of rising obesity rates, Facebook and unlimited texting, the federal government and local schools are trying to make students’ lunches more nutritious.

Citrus schools strive to find a balance between nutrition and taste, said Roy Pistone, director of food and nutrition services for the Citrus County School District. Pistone said schools are incorporating more whole grains, low-fat items and vegetables into their meals. Menu items include yogurt parfaits, salads and wraps and it’s not uncommon for elementary school students to have raw fruits and vegetables on their plates.

“It’s amazing to me that there are kids at such a young age making good choices,” said Kimberly G. Rogers, Citrus County School District nutrition specialist.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE…

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Regular School Board Meeting Feb. 8th, 2010 at 4:00pm

Posted on February 2nd, 2011 by

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITRUS COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

FEBRUARY 8, 2011 at 4:00pm

The first Citizen Comments is reserved for comments on the items requesting approval on the agenda. A second opportunity for any subject is available at 6:00 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR February 08, 2011 Agenda…

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