The Source: Teacher Donates Lifesaving Gift, an Alumnus Finds Redemption and Success, and our Graduation Rate has Reached a Historic High!

January 12, 2018

District's Graduation Rate Once Again Exceeds State, Large School Districts

The School District of Palm Beach County's graduation rate for the 2016-2017 school year reached a historic high mark, ranking first among Florida's large, urban school districts and exceeding the state's graduation rate for the Class of 2017, according to figures released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Education.

"Our intense focus on closing the achievement gap is working and more of our minority students are walking across the graduation stage on time and with honors. These historically high graduation rates confirm that the work of the District's strategic plan is paying off," said Superintendent Robert Avossa. "We set a goal of achieving a 90 percent graduation rate by 2021 - and we hit it, three years early. This doesn't happen without the immense commitment of our teachers, school leaders and students." Read more...

CBS Evening News: Marsh Pointe Elementary Teacher Shares Incredible Gift With Student, Family

CBS Evening News - A good teacher will do almost anything for a student, but few have gone as far as Donna Hoagland , a teacher at Marsh Pointe Elementary School . It all started when she noticed a change in one of her 4th graders, Troy Volk. What she did next is nothing short of inspirational.

See My Success: Former South Intensive Student Turns Life Around, Shares Story

Nine years ago, Blake Carter was facing a life that by all accounts was doomed. At age 12 he began smoking, drinking and hanging out late. That behavior led him to handcuffs, being charged as an adult for sexual assault.

"I didn't even know what that was," Carter says.

Flash forward and 23-year-old Carter stands in front of a room of students enrolled at South Intensive Transition School, a room where he played basketball and ate pizza as a student.

"I changed my life and you can change yours too," Carter said.

After being put in jail and facing a 45-year sentence at the age of 14, Carter knew, "I'm not supposed to be here."

With the support of his friends, parents, teachers and football team Carter was given a deal that included house arrest and probation.

"My probation officer told me I had a 75 percent chance of violating probation," Carter said. "I told him, 'I have a 100 percent chance of becoming a massive success; because that's my decision.'"

The deal and his determination would allow him to go on to graduate high school, play three sports, earn 38 college credits and earn a 5.2 Honors Point Average.

Now Carter is the founder of Top Tier Entertainment with 170 employees and a graduate of Florida State University.

"Nine years ago I was sitting [at South Intensive School]," he told the students. "Don't let your past, circumstances determine who you become." Watch the video...

School District Schedules Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day For February 2

The School District of Palm Beach County will observe Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on Friday, February 2, and encourages businesses and organizations throughout Palm Beach County to show students how their classroom lessons apply in the workplace.

For nearly 25 years, the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work program has been giving children the opportunity to envision themselves in the workplace, and get a taste of potential available career paths.

Students from kindergarten through 12th grade may participate in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Parents are encouraged to notify their child's school if their child will be absent from school to participate. Absences will be considered excused.

The District is unable to participate in the national Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day in April, as that date conflicts with the state-mandated Florida Standards Assessment (FSA). Schools are not able to have visitors on campus or have large numbers of students out of school during those state-required tests. Watch video from last year's event...

Mentor, Adult Volunteers Lend Time to Help Jupiter Students Achieve Success

It's National Mentor Month, but for Edna Runner, who leads the after-school center in Jupiter that bears her name, mentoring is much more than a month-long dedication. It's a passion that she has shared with students from many generations - children, parents and grandparents.

With the help of adult volunteers, 107 students visit the Edna W. Runner After School Center on Church Street in Jupiter Monday through Friday for assistance with homework, reading, i-Ready and other kindergarten through eighth grade lessons.

Runner, a former teacher at Limestone Creek Elementary School, has run the after-school program for the past 30 years. Watch the video...

Santaluces Community High School Teacher Named #ThankATeacherPBC Teacher of the Week

Yesterday was a special day at Santaluces Community High School, where Mr. Gray was recognized as the #ThankATeacherPBC Teacher of the Week!

Mr. Gray has been at Santaluces for four years, where he teaches Social Studies, Advanced Placement Psychology and AVID. He was nominated for the award by two of his students, Kobe and Nick, for the incredible impact he has made in their lives as they complete the AVID program in preparation for college . His students value the emphasis he places on relationships, describing him as a genuine "father figure." Watch video from the surprise announcement...

Your favorite teacher could be our next award winner! Nominating a teacher for the Teacher of the Week award is easy - visit the Thank a Teacher website and submit your message of gratitude.