BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
Several elementary students in Bradford County were recognized for their impressive performance on last school year’s final assessments.
Grants and Resources Director Sherree Alvarez introduced each one during the Nov. 13 school board meeting.
Last year students were introduced to the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking exams, taken in three parts at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The tests evaluate where student proficiency stands in August and learning gains throughout the year.
These five students scored in the top achievement level on a final assessment. In fact, they received perfect scores.
“This is an extraordinary achievement, and we’re so proud of these young scholars,” Alvarez said.
They are:
—Fourth-grader Tyler Arthur, who achieved a perfect score on mathematics at Lawtey Elementary School.
—Fourth-grader Tyler Barber, who achieved a perfect score on mathematics at Starke Elementary School.
—Fourth-grader Blaine Smyth, who achieved a perfect score on mathematics at Bradford Elementary School.
—Fifth-grader Jensen Shuford, who achieved a perfect score on mathematics at Bradford Elementary School.
—Fifth-grader Alexander Kaye, who achieved a perfect score on both mathematics and science at Bradford Elementary School.
“We’re very proud of these youngsters. We’re very proud of the teachers and parents that supported them,” Alvarez said.
Aspiring leaders
Superintendent Will Hartley also recognized three employees who have completed NEFEC’s Aspiring Leaders program — Karen Brugh, Tina Maxey and Audrey Murphy. Recommendations for the program come from principals and other administrators. The yearlong program helps them build upon the promise they have already shown as future leaders.
“I would just like to say how grateful we are that you’re in our school district and can’t wait to see your own professional growth in the years to come,” Hartley said.
In other business:
—During reorganizing of the board, Candace Osteen was appointed board chair, and Lynn Melvin was appointed vice chair. Monthly meetings were set at 5 p.m. on the second Monday of the Month and 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Monday.
—The board and superintendent welcomed Shannon Rodriguez, previously assistant principal at Starke Elementary School, into her new role as district finance director.
—The board approved the certificate of final inspection for the new Bradford Elementary School Campus. The board also approved architect Paul Stressing submitting a tax exemption application for work on an energy efficient commercial building.
—Speaking of energy efficiency, the district is contracting with consultants at ABM for guaranteed energy savings. Their analysis of the district’s energy usage and operations should result in moneysaving solutions for the district.
—MIS Director Michael Warren announced that in addition to the replacement of hundreds of Wi-Fi hotspots and the installation of new cameras, the district will soon have an updated website and app for communications.
—Food Service Director Blake Dicks announced that all of food service staff has been CPR certified.
