Blogging Black Miami

PARENTS: Just Read, Florida! 2012 Summer Literacy Adventure

2012-06-03T07:01:58-04:00

The regular 180-day school year for K-12 students in Miami-Dade County ends this week. Florida's First Lady Ann Scott and the Florida Department of Education's Just Read, Florida! office encourage students to participate in the 2012 Summer Literacy Adventure.

Schools, students and parents can prepare for the summer break by participating in this challenge to have students read. The 2012 Summer Literacy Adventure is geared to help children stay on target, motivated and excited about reading and literacy. Don’t allow your child to lose learning gains made this school year. During summer vacation, it is important for students to spend time reading and writing on a regular basis whether the student is a beginning reader or a proficient reader.

The 2012 Summer Literacy Adventure invites you to have your students read as many books as possible. Each student should complete his or her pledge form on the Just Read, Florida! website at www.justreadflorida.com. Following the summer break, the Department will recognize the top ten schools with the highest percentage of participation.

Click on the following links for detailed information.

Just Read, Florida!: http://info.fldoe.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6398/dps-2012- 70a.pdf(Att

What Every Parent of An Elementary Child Needs to Know: http://info.fldoe.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-6399/dps-2012-70b.pdf(Tat

Happy Reading!

M-DCPS MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS SCORE HIGH ON FLORIDA’S ALGEBRA I END-OF-COURSE ASSESSMENT

2012-06-02T02:10:37-04:00

MIAMI – The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) released the scores for the Algebra I End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment, and the Miami-Dade County Public Schools middle-grade students scored remarkably well on the test with 90 percent achieving scores of Level 3 or above as required to earn high school credit.

Fifty-two percent of M-DCPS students taking the Algebra I EOC as a retake received passing scores, as compared to 43 percent of their counterparts around the state.

The improvement of Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ (M-DCPS) first-time test-takers’ success rates significantly outpaced the improvement of students statewide from 2011-2012. M-DCPS success rates improved nine percentage points as compared to the State’s four percentage points. The Algebra I EOC Assessment was first administered May 2011.

A large majority of the students who participated in the EOC were in Grades 7-9, and were required to earn passing scores of Level 3 or above to receive high school credit for the course.

The Florida EOC Assessments are part of Florida's Next Generation Strategic Plan for the purpose of increasing student achievement and improving college and career readiness. EOC assessments are computer-based, criterion-referenced assessments that measure the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for specific courses, as outlined in their course descriptions.

Rod Vereen, Democrat for Miami Dade State Attorney, files Democrat Party Complaint against Kathy Fernandez Rundle

2012-06-01T10:01:55-04:00

On the eve of the Florida Democratic Convention in Tampa this weekend, Attorney Rod Vereen, Democratic candidate for Miami-Dade State Attorney, files Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee Party Loyalty Complaint against 20-Year Incumbent Kathy Fernandez Rundle.

"I believe that Kathy Rundle has violated her Loyalty to the Democratic Party by word and deed. She has been outspoken in her contempt for having only Democrats vote in a Democratic Primary. She is actively recruiting Republicans to change party to vote for her. Finally, she is informing Republicans that change party to vote for her, that they need not vote for any other Democrat in the general election, including Obama and every other Democrat on the ticket in November. She's making a mockery of the Democrat Party and should have run for State Attorney as a Republican with integrity". – Rod Vereen

Kathy Rundle's campaign website (as of 5/31/12) is actively soliciting Republicans to switch parties to vote for her in the primary and also telling them not to vote for any other Democrat in the general election. She states that a Democratic Primary somehow, "excludes Republican and Independent supporters from voting...in the August 14th, 2012 election, even though it will determine who will be the State Attorney for the next four years. If you want to help re-elect Kathy, you now have only until July 16th, 2012 to register as a Democrat. This will not obligate you to vote for any other Democratic candidate in any future general election." (www.katherinefernandezrundle.com/voter-information)

Its astonishing that the Democratic Nominee for Miami-Dade State Attorney for the past 20 years is asking Republicans to change party and telling these prospective new Democratic voters not to vote for the President of the United States and the Democratic Ticket in November. All Democratic Candidates for Office in Miami Dade should know that this County Wide Democrat will not support their candidacies. This is an embarrassment to the Florida Democratic Party and on August 14th we will put an end to this mockery. Ms. Rundle has broke ranks with our party and its up to the Miami-Dade Democratic Party to break ranks with her.

The Rod Vereen campaign has formally filed a complaint with the Miami Dade Executive Committee. The Miami Dade DEC Chairman, Richard Lydecker, must forward the complaint to the Rules and By-Laws Committee, which then appoints a Special Committee to investigate and hold a hearing. This hearing will include an invitation to Kathy Rundle and the Rod Vereen Campaign to present evidence where "fundamental fairness shall govern the Special Committee activities" (Miami Dade DEC By-Laws).

On June 4th @ 7pm, Rod Vereen will address the Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee at the America Legion Hall post #29, 6445 NE 7th Avenue, Miami, FL

Miami Central Alumni to Present Computers to College Bound Seniors

2012-05-29T05:54:18-04:00

The Miami Central High School Alumni Association will present free laptop computers to 54 deserving college bound Miami Central graduating seniors on Wednesday, May 30, 6;30 p.m. in the auditorium of William Turner Technical Arts High School. The Alumni Association, headed by President William “DC” Clark, has donated laptop computers to Miami Central graduating seniors since 2006 as an incentive for students to improve their academic performance in school.

In the economically-depressed area where Miami Central is located, receiving a computer from the Alumni Association goes a long way in helping the students and their families defray some of the costs of college. The Miami Central Alumni Association donates approximately 50 computers each year and are working hard to reward every student who submits a letter of acceptance to college to the school’s CAP (College Assistance Program) Advisor with a computer. The organization receives about 70 requests per year. “If a student is doing well enough to be accepted into a college then they deserve our help,” says Clark.

Renovation of the auditorium at Miami Central forced the relocation of the event to Turner Tech.

In Remembrance of and Gratitude to Our Fallen Soldiers

2012-05-28T14:18:06-04:00

On this Memorial Day, let us stop and give thanks to the men and women in military service who made the ultimate sacrifice. We enjoy our freedoms today because they gave their lives for our nation. May they rest in eternal peace.

Brother Rice Middle School Students Capture 2nd Place at First Annual Haitian Heritage History Bee

2012-05-28T13:02:08-04:00

Last week, middle school students from the Brother Rice Honors Academy at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep, captured second place at the First Annual Haitian Heritage Month History Bee. The event, that took place at North Miami Senior High School, hosted students from both public and private schools throughout Miami. The Brother Rice students, the only middle school team to compete at the high school level, fell only one point short of the MAST Academy.

The competition was part of a month-long celebration of the arts, culture, and education held under the auspice of Miami-Dade County’s Haitian Heritage Cultural Month held each May for the past 12 years.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime who sponsored the event, stated in a press release, “The history of the Haitian people is rich and should be shared and cherished by everyone. The History Bee is an excellent opportunity to share the story of the Haitian people with the residents of Miami-Dade County. This is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the contributions that Haitians have made to our country and our world.”

The Brother Rice students prepared for the competition for about one month. Academy teacher William Perry had pairs of students prepare lesson plans and quizzes to present to their fellow students. “We studied everything from the Pre-Columbian Era to the Revolutionary War,” commented Perry. “It was an exciting competition and, by the end, our students received a standing ovation!”

The Brother Rice Honors Academy accepts no more than 30 students in grades 6 to 8 inclusive. The school offers a high school preparatory experience where individually designed programs offer a mix of formal classes; small and large group presentations; research work in the library and media center; and a daily period reserved for reading. For more information, visit www.acnd.net.

Br. Rice Honors Academy students place 2nd at the First Annual Heritage History Bee. The middle school students competed at the high school level and against public and private schools in Miami-Dade. Back Row (from l to r) - Emily Windsor, Ivanee Cruz, Aaron Martin, Dawaun Davis, Christian Masseus, Lorie Tranchant, Trevor Landry; Middle Row - Moises Iriarte; Front Row (from l to r): Dimitri Grant , Maximilian Gazeroglu, Kevin Valladares.

Photo: Optimum Exposure Photo/Video

Weird News: Man killed in flesh-eating attack of another

2012-05-28T09:15:22-04:00

The Miami Herald reported one naked man chewing the face off another naked man Saturday on the MacArthur Causeway ramp. Police shot the attacker once and he did not stop. Several more shots were fired and he died on the scene. The victim of the attack was hospitalized.

Surveillance video shows little of the crime scene but the legs of the men can be seen.

Questions still remain and theories for the attack are plentiful from drug-induced psychosis to zombie attack.

More than 250 Purell® dispensers will be installed with refills for one year throughout local childcare centers

2012-05-27T10:17:12-04:00

(left to right): Brad Helfman, Business Development Director of GOJO Industries, inventors of Purell®; Jeannifer Bonnet, CEO of Our Little Ones Learning Center; Blythe K. Robinson, Sr. VP & Chief Programs Officer, Early Learning Coalition; Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Miami-Dade School Board Member, District 2; and Pamela Hollingsworth, Director, Quality Counts.

GOJO Industries, Inc., the maker and global distributor of Purell® Hand Sanitizer, the #1 hand sanitizer in both home and professional settings, and proponent of wellness is giving back to the South Florida community with a donation of more than 250 dispensers and one year’s worth of Purell® Advanced Hand Sanitizer to 250 childcare centers within the Quality Counts Program, a collaborative effort between The Children's Trust, The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Ready Schools Miami, The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

"Viruses and infections typically spread very rapidly in child care centers and schools, so donations such as this one fromPurell® help reduce the spread of illness, contributing to improved attendance and more learning," said Modesto E. Abety-Gutierrez, President and CEO of The Children's Trust.

Quality Counts is a voluntary rating and improvement system that is currently benefiting 30,400 children in childcare across Miami-Dade. The program reviews early learning programs according to clearly defined, high quality standards related to teacher qualifications, teacher/student ratios, curriculum, learning environment, parent involvement, and program administration. It uses a five-star method of evaluation and offers support and incentives to help child care programs reach high quality.

”Through the Quality Counts Program, we know how important it is to attain high standards, something we see reflected in this partnership,” said Evelio C. Torres, President and CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe. “Thank you, Purell®, for helping us promote healthy standards within our childcare centers.”

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper hand hygiene is the single best way to prevent infection and illness. When soap and water are not available, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is recommended to reduce the spread of germs that may cause illness, especially after shaking hands and before touching your face.

“We are very pleased to make this commitment to enhance the health and well being of South Florida’s children and couldn’t have found better partners than The Children’s Trust and Quality Counts,” said Brad Helfman, Business Development Director of GOJO Industries, inventors of Purell®.

Video Highlights of New America Media Education Roundtable

2012-05-27T09:24:37-04:00

New America Media has provided video highlights of the Education Roundtable held here in March. They are capturing comments from media and parents in various states in the Southeast.

See Miami Media Roundtable on Education Reform

Career Opportunities

2012-05-27T08:44:34-04:00

Quality Counts Administrator

The Children's Trust has an opening for an administrator for its Quality Counts initiative. The administrator reports to the Chief Health and Child Development Officer and is responsible for managing all aspects of Quality Counts within The Trust and maintaining a close working relationship with the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) and with The Children's Forum to ensure continuous quality improvement for the initiative. A master's degree in public administration, the social sciences, or early childhood education or related field is required; doctorate degree is preferred. Visit www.thechildrenstrust.org, for a complete job description.

Records Scanner - Temporary
The Children's Trust seeks a records scanner, a short-term, temporary position with no benefits. The scanner will perform work directly related to the electronic storage for records retention schedules, retrieval of archived records or for documents to be archived. Copyist/Scanner must be able to operate scanner, concisely explain and assist the staff with archival equipment including computers, digitizers and reader/printers. Applicant must be a current resident of Miami-Dade County, currently enrolled and attending college or a vocational school. For a more complete job description, visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.

Social Worker/Court Liaison

FSU's Young Parents Project, a multidisciplinary home visiting program serving teen mothers in delinquency, seeks a social worker/court liaison. A Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field with three years experience serving complex families is required. Responsibilities include recruiting participants, completing intake assessments, serving as court liaison, and general case coordination. Please call Tara Thomas at (850) 922-1305 or e-mail ltthomas@fsu.edu for details.

Coordinator, CFE & Grants
United Way of Miami-Dade is looking for a coordinator, CFE & Grants to support to the finance department and assist grants management. Coordinator is responsible for preparing monthly invoices of grants and ensuring that grants packages are complete. A high school diploma and one to three years of accounting experience required. Contact jobs@unitedwaymiami.org.

School Nurse

The Institute for Children and Families seeks a school nurse to join their team. Candidate must be a licensed RN in the state of Fla, have at least two years pediatric experience and speak, read and write both English and Spanish fluently. Salary is $52k plus benefits. EOE & DFWP. Interested candidates should contact Sylvia Sanders at (305) 685-4231 or email ssanders@icfhinc.org. Fax resumes to (305) 685-4208 or email to the address above.

Administrative Assistant

Citrus Health has an immediate opening for an experienced full-time administrative assistant. High school degree required, A.A. preferred to work in this fast-paced office. Must have solid secretarial and computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint), be organized, detail oriented and reliable. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish preferred). Email resume to susang@citrushealth.com.

Source: The Children’s Trust

Archbishop Curley 2012 Graduate Signs with Liberty University Flames - Receives Full Tuition, Division 1 Scholarship

2012-05-27T08:37:00-04:00

Last week, Wesley Alcegaire, a 2012 graduate of Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep, signed with the Liberty University Men’s Basketball Program. Alcegaire, LU’s 6^th recruit, received a full tuition, Division 1 athletic basketball scholarship.

The 6’5” student from North Miami Beach, played 4 years of basketball at ACND. Prior to ACND, he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School. This past season, Alcegaire was instrumental in leading the Knights to a 27-3 record and a regional finals appearance. He averaged 28.1 points, 11 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game during his senior year. Alcegaire's on-court performance did not go unnoticed, as he was named to the 2011-12 Florida Association of Basketball Coaches 3A All-State team and earned first team All-Dade County honors.

"Wes has really developed under the leadership of legendary Florida coach Charlie Funk,” Head Liberty Men's Basketball Coach Dale Layer stated in a press release. "He is a versatile, athletic player who can play three and possibly four different positions. "His length, defensive ability and well-rounded game complement nicely with our team for next year. Wes can score it, rebound it and pass it, and has a very high potential to develop here at Liberty. We are glad he is a Flame!"

A dual-sport athlete, Alcegaire was also a letterwinner in track & field, capturing the district high jump title in the 2012 Florida High School Athletic Association District 16 Championships this past April.

“Speaking on behalf of the ACND coaches, staff and community, we are extremely proud of Wesley Alcegaire,“ remarked ACND’s Athletic Director, Greg Magner. ”He developed through our Basketball program the last four years from JV to Varsity, to 1st All County and All State performer. Wes is an example of an adolescent that has not fallen into the web of entitlement. He has displayed loyalty and work ethic that is missing in today’s youth.”

Wesley Alcegaire, 2012 graduate of Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep, signs with the Liberty University Flames, Lynchburg, VA. Alcegaire received a full tuition, Division 1 athletic basketball scholarship.

Back Row (l to r): Douglas Romanik, ACND's VP Advancement; Greg Magner, ACND's Athletic Director; Br. James De Piro, ACND's Vice Principal

Front Row (l to r): Br. Patrick Sean Moffett, ACND Principal; Ms. Anael Halcegaire, Wesley's Mother; Wesley Alcegaire; Coach Charles Funk, ACND Basketball Coach.

Job Opportunities with Florida New Majority

2012-05-27T08:20:57-04:00

Florida New Majority (FNM) is a social justice organization whose mission is to build grassroots power and win campaigns for social and economic opportunities for poor and disenfranchised communities. FNM combines community organizing, grassroots leadership development, comprehensive campaigns, strategic alliance building, and electoral organizing to pursue its mission at the local and state levels. FNM builds alliances between African American and new immigrant communities in Florida with a goal to build and gain power to win good jobs, housing, and opportunity for our community. An additional goal is to educate and turnout large numbers of voters.

For more information about the work of Florida New Majority visit www.flnewmajority.org.

Above all else, Flroida New Majority is looking for motivated and hard-working individuals with a commitment to social and economic justice and our mission to join their team.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Lead Organizer

The Organizer is responsible for implementing plans to win issue and electoral campaigns in Florida, providing training and capacity building activities for community leaders and FNM strategic partners, and mobilizing volunteers for canvassing and phone bank shifts. The Organizer reports to the Field Director or Regional Lead.

Click here for a full job description.

Resumes accepted for this position until June 4th, 2012.

Submit resume and cover letter to: opportunity@flnewmajority.org

Communications Coordinator

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and directing the organization’s communications strategy for the state. This includes earned media strategy execution for organizational campaigns, maintaining the public face of the organization through training spokespeople, social media, the website, and paid media. Responsibilities include developing communications strategies for campaigns and constituencies, for partners, monitoring effectiveness of the strategy, and supervision of communications associates.

Click here for a full job description.

Resumes accepted for this position until June 4th, 2012.

Submit resume and cover letter to: opportunity@flnewmajority.org

Campaign Field Director

MWC is seeking a Grassroots Fundraising Coordinator who will give leadership to all non-Foundation/grants-based fundraising efforts in the support of MWC's liberatory community-based organizing in the low-income communities of Miami. The GFC is responsible for planning for and managing all aspects of grassroots and donor fundraising in close consultation with the Executive Director, Director of Operations, Grassroots Fundraising Committee, and when appropriate, other Board and volunteer leadership and Staff. This is a full-time position.

Click here for a full job description.

Resumes accepted for this position until June 4th, 2012.

Submit resume and cover letter to: opportunity@flnewmajority.org