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Click Here to view a video of Superintendent Melba Luciano introducing families to this exciting new program.
Superintendent Melba Luciano Kicks-Off Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge For Students In an effort to build a consistent, year-round culture of reading throughout Osceola's school community, Superintendent Melba Luciano is challenging students to read 10 million minutes over the summer as part of Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge starting May 6, 2013.
"When school lets out in June each year, our students battle the 'Summer Slide' – the loss of academic skills when students are not in school," said Superintendent Luciano. "Research has proven that when children read over the summer, they return back to school in the fall at or above the reading levels they were at the end of the school year."
Scholastic’s Summer Reading Challenge is a fun and exciting program that is proven to keep students reading over the summer. This challenge has students log their reading minutes online in an effort to break the world record of reading, while also meeting the goal of reading 10 million minutes in Osceola County alone. Each student’s reading minutes will be combined for their school’s total reading minutes, and can be viewed real time on the Scholastic Summer Challenge website over the summer at http://www.scholastic.com/summer/. A mobile app can also be downloaded from the site where kids can log their reading minutes, and parents can track their students' reading and access expert reading tips. Students who participate can earn virtual prizes on the site and possibly win a visit for their school from Dav Pilkey, author of the popular Captain Underpants series. The top 20 schools across the nation with the most reading minutes will be listed in the 2013 Scholastic Book of World Records. Last year, Reedy Creek Elementaryin Osceola County earned the ranking of 20th in the nation, and the school appears in the latest edition of the Scholastic Book of World Records.
To help promote the challenge, Clear Channel Radio’s eight local stations will be airing summer reading announcements that remind parents to read with their children and remind students to log their reading minutes.
Parents and students are encouraged to visit the following sites for suggested summer reads:
-- Florida Department of Education's Summer Reading List at http://www.justreadfamilies.org/SummerReadingList.pdf
-- Just Read, Florida! at www.justreadflorida.com
Osceola School District Recognized For Excellence In Financial Reporting
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the Osceola School District by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
The school district's Business and Fiscal Services Department received the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement as it was primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning comprehensive annual financial report. The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate the district's financial story and to motivate potential users to read the report.
"This outside recognition of our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) validates the transparency of the school system's financial operations and highlights the high-quality work being done by our business staff," said Superintendent Melba Luciano.
Osceola Schools Recognized With State Awards For Outstanding Volunteer Programs
Osceola schools have earned a total of 56 Golden and Silver School Awards, the state's highest recognition for community involvement. The Golden School Award is given annually by the Florida Department of Education to recognize schools with exemplary volunteer programs. The award is presented to schools that meet certain criteria, including faculty training on how to work with volunteers and program policies and procedures. The school principal must designate a school volunteer coordinator to provide leadership for the school volunteer program, and the school must have a total number of hours of volunteer service that equals twice the number of students enrolled in the school. Every elementary school in Osceola County received the award this year.
Osceola School District Hosts Common Core Parent Nights
Common Core Standards are coming to Osceola County! Florida is one of 45 states across our nation implementing Common Core Standards, a single set of clear educational standards for kindergarten through twelfth grade students in English/language arts and mathematics. The standards are designed to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to enter credit-bearing entry courses in two- or four-year college programs or enter the workforce. The standards promote equity by ensuring all students, no matter where they live in the United States, are well prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to collaborate and compete at the highest levels with their peers here at home and abroad.
The Osceola School District will host three Common Core Parent Nights for parents and students throughout the district to learn more about the new standards and to ask questions:
--May 6 at Ross E. Jeffries Education Center, located at 1200 Vermont Avenue in St. Cloud, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
--May 14 at Denn John Middle School, located at 2001 Denn John Lane in Kissimmee, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
--May 30 at Poinciana High School, located at 2300 South Poinciana Boulevard in Kissimmee, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Topics will include: the history of the Common Core standards initiative, how the new standards compare to current state standards, what changes in assessments can students and parents expect, how the new standards will be implemented in our schools, and more.
In addition, representatives from the district's Title 1 Parent Resource Center and other local agencies will be on hand with information on instructional resource materials. Free sandwiches, pizza, drinks, and child care for prekindergarten through Grade 6 children will be provided. Spanish translation will also be available.
Prekindergarten Registration Begins
Osceola School District's prekindergarten registration has begun for the 2013/2014 school year. As spaces are limited, parents are now encouraged to register for an appointment as soon as possible.
Osceola School District's prekindergarten program is a dynamic learning environment that prepares four-year-old children to be successful in kindergarten. This success is achieved by the use of a research-based language arts and math curriculum and quality intervention programs. Learning environments are enriched by the use of technology, a violin program (at certain locations), and the use of a Conscious Discipline Program to address the social/emotional needs of students. The fun, academically-enriched, and socially-interactive learning atmosphere helps each child reach their highest potential.
Further information about the district's prekindergarten program may be obtained by calling 407-870-4911 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.
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