October 2, 2023
Constitution Day Inspires Students to Pursue Law and Criminal Justice Careers
Students in criminal justice, pre-law, and law Choice Academies from across the School District of Palm Beach County learned about the judicial system and even got to test out their skills in a mock trial on Constitution Day. This unique experience was hosted at the District's board room on Friday, September 22 where students from all over the District came together to put their knowledge and skills to the test.
See How These Two High School Football Players Are Defying the Odds On and Off the Field
The football team at John I. Leonard High School in Greenacres proves this incredible game translates to any language. Steven Matos and Tyrell Barr communicate solely through American Sign Language (ASL) as both student-athletes are deaf. With assistance through practices and games from their interpreter, Kate Robertson, the two young men have proven that anything is possible.
This Week's Thank a Teacher Winner Says Teaching is Like Planting a Seed for the Future as She Watches Student Growth
Yanira Lopez takes tremendous pride in fostering bilingual learning in her kindergarten classroom. Ms. Lopez was nominated by colleagues at Berkshire Elementary School for her dedication and true passion for the dual-language program. She was surprised in her classroom this week with the Thank a Teacher award and a $250 check, all thanks to our sponsor, HCA Florida Healthcare!

Lake Park Elementary School Turns 100!
Lake Park Elementary School has been educating students for 100 years. Students are enjoying two new aspects the school this year: the District’s third Haitian Creole dual language program and a $75,000 investment in a new band program. On Wednesday, September 27, Lake Park Elementary honored this tremendous milestone with a centennial celebration. The event featured a time capsule containing items from 1923 and 1986 on display, including coins from 1917 and 1923, as well as artifacts gathered from those time periods.

Superintendent Burke kicked off the celebration with current and former students, teachers, and staff members, Lake Park Mayor Roger Michaud, Lake Park Elementary School Principal Dr. Carlos Castro, District 1 School Board Member Barbara McQuinn, and District 2 School Board Member Alexandria Ayala.
Hispanic Heritage Month Bus Tour Offers the Community a Look at Multicultural Education
Okeeheelee Middle School was the District’s first International Spanish Academy, and Dr. Joaquín García High School is the first District high school to be named after a Hispanic community leader. Both schools welcomed community members for a special Hispanic Heritage Month bus tour on Friday, September 15. The schools showcased dual-language programs, on-campus cultural clubs and activities, including fun student performances.
The 2023 GoTeach! Grant Recipients Receive More Than $190,000 in Funding for Classroom Projects
Nearly 100 District teachers received GoTeach! Classroom Grants, thanks to the generosity of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County and partnerships with the business community, philanthropic individuals, and organizations. A total of $191,507 in funding will be provided for 82 grants at 61 schools.

The grants encourage educators to create innovative and exciting educational opportunities for their students. The focus of the grants is on these priority areas: literacy, career education, financial literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), increasing graduation rates, and support for underperforming students.
District Students and Teachers Shine at Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony
On September 27, the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce (FHACC) held its annual Hispanic Heritage Awards Celebration. The event honored eight exceptional students and two teachers from the District with awards and scholarships.

“It means so much to me, as the first Latina School Board member, to see our Hispanic/Latino students and teachers recognized for their excellence and dedication. I’m thankful for the community partnerships that make these celebrations possible,” said District 2 Palm Beach County School Board member Alexandria Ayala.
District Teacher Shares Journey to the U.S. Sparked by Passion For Harry Potter Books
Jose Cardona is entering his sixth year as a teacher at Clifford O. Taylor/Kirklane Elementary Schools in Palm Springs. It’s one of the District’s dual-language schools where students take classes in different languages. Now, Mr. Cardona, who was born in western Honduras, is using his experience to teach students to never give up. At 14 years old, Mr. Cardona was given his first Harry Potter book. In order to read it, he used a dictionary to translate each word.

"It was while reading this book that I envisioned the life that I have today," Cardona told CBS12 News. "I decided I want to be a teacher. I decided I wanted to make a life for myself. I thought what’s the worst that could happen? I decided I was going to learn English in the United States.

After receiving his green card, Mr. Cardona took every opportunity that came his way. He worked all day and attended the District's Adult Education classes at Boca Raton High School at night. He eventually was able to graduate from Florida Atlantic University and make his way back to the classroom to teach!